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J.P. JAILED FOR STEALING $$THOUSANDS

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 11, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.32

www.thevincentian.com

EC$1.50

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, in sentencing Morris, contended that a strong message must be sent to those who are entrusted with other people’s money.

12 months behind bars, as the sentences are to run concurrently.

The sentences were handed down by Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, who contended that a strong message must be sent to the custodians of poor people’s money.

Prescott, who was Morris Prescott could well have received a more severe sentence, had he not changed his responsible for plea from not guilty to guilty. depositing the monies in the bank, stole the story by: HAYDEN HUGGINS that entity, was jailed on Wednesday, cash on various occasions between despite a sterling mitigation plea by his January and November last year.

MORRIS PRESCOTT, a 58-year-old Justice attorney Arthur Williams.

The trial started on Tuesday at the of the Peace and teacher, who stole The Vermont man, who was thousands of dollars from the charged on 11 counts of theft, received Serious Offences Court, but Prescott, who had initially pleaded not-guilty to Buccament Wise and Prudent Friendly sentences ranging from three to 12 12 charges of theft in relation to a Society during his tenure as President of months in prison, but will serve only

total sum of $84,610.40, changed his pleas to guilty on Wednesday, after Station Sergeant Elgin Richards, who prosecuted the case, amended nine of the charges in relation to the sums stolen, and withdrew one in relation to $3,000.

Following the amendments and the withdrawal of one of the charges, the total sum stolen stood at $85,277.28.

The sharp twist in the case came following the testimonies of three prosecution witnesses: Secretary/Treasurer of the Friendly Society Ruby Matthis; staff member Alvena Myers; and representative from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) Neva Cordice.

The prosecutor told the Court that his decision to amend the nine charges was based on Matthis’ evidence, as well as documentaries.

Continued on Page 3

2. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 3.

News 3 NDP accused of taking a Âcruel roadÊ Oscar Allen had his operation one active anesthesiologist on get an operation, and being require surgery, because they delayed, that that is why he duty, Cummings said that the very proud of that, and that don’t have an died,” Gonsalves said on situation as it related to the despite being on vacation that anesthesiologist,” Cummings Monday at a press conference. late Oscar Allen, exemplified he had solved the problem, said.

He said that he spoke to the lack of understanding of then we are in big trouble Allen, a former social and the authorities on the matter, the seriousness of the because in his mind, the political activist died on July and was advised that the problem. problem with the late Oscar 28 and will be laid to rest delay in the medical procedure “When the person who is in Allen was getting him for an tomorrow, Saturday 12th that Allen was to undergo, charge says that because he operation, without regard for August. (DD) was not the reason for his made contacts and got Allen to the dozens of others who also demise.

With one anesthesiologist on duty, professional staff were prioritizing which procedures should have been dealt with, Dr. Gonsalves explained.

MEMBER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING St. PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves “I cannot talk about his called out the NDP for taking condition. It is not proper for Vincent and the Grenadines, of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our the ‘low road’ in connecting anyone to be talking about America, ALBA, have reiterated their Oscar Allen’s death to the that without permission of support for the Venezuelan government. shortage of anesthesiologists the family,” the Prime The overwhelming show of support came at the Milton Cato Memorial Minister said. at the Sixth Extraordinary Meeting of the Hospital.

He added that he was Political Council of ALBA, held in Caracas, satisfied that all was done for August 8, during which members PRIME MINISTER DR RALPH his mother while she was a reiterated their support for a nonGonsalves has accused the patient there. intervention approach in resolving political opposition New Democratic “In some cases, medical tension in Venezuela.

Party (NDP) of taking a “cruel science cannot do anything,” The St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ road,” to suggest that Oscar Heads of delegations, including SVG’s Saboto he said. delegation to the meeting, is said to have Allen’s death was as a Caesar (extreme right front), to the Sixth Meanwhile, on Wednesday re-affirmed CARICOM’s call for dialogue consequence of the shortage of Extraordinary Meeting of the Political Council of Daniel Cummings hinted at between the government and the anesthesiologists at the Milton ALBA. the very thing that Gonsalves opposition in the South American country.

Cato Memorial Hospital. condemned only two days receive a commission sent by CARICOM to Addressing the Meeting, Venezuelan “They take the cruel road before.

President Nicolás Maduro said he was ready to facilitate dialogue with the opposition, as by suggesting that because In addressing the issue of recently agreed by the Caribbean integration body at a summit in Grenada.

ALBA’s Secretary-General David Choquehuanca said the declaration represents the wishes of the people of Latin America who Continued from Frontpage Prescott had some financial because their monies were stolen. want “peace and solidarity.” problems since last year, and In his request for a custodial “Our people seek harmony, integration, and THE PROSECUTION’S evidence needed the money to deal with sentence, the prosecutor declared, revealed that during meetings of those problems, hoping that he “In seeking mercy, one must be here we have a declaration of total the executive, general membership would put things right and repay prepared for redemption and unconditional support to Venezuela’s and with FSA, Prescott admitted the cash. He added that Prescott, restoration.” He concluded that democracy to its democratically-elected that he took the money, and said he who was also a teacher, was based on what Williams said in president and to the people who have been would repay it. The evidence already severely punished, as he mitigation, Prescott was in no valiantly defending their rights and revealed that he repaid $10,000. would not be entitled to certain position to repay the money. sovereignty,” he said.

That payment was made in benefits. He concluded by asking The Chief Magistrate highlighted Following the meeting of the ALBA Political December last year. the Court to be ‘merciful’. the sterling mitigation plea by Council, the Vincentian delegation held In mitigation, Williams asked the In response, Richards also asked Prescott’s lawyer, but contended discussions with the Chairman of the ALBA court not to impose a custodial the Court to be merciful, but his that a custodial sentence would be Bank Ramon Gordils on matters relating to sentence. He noted that his client request was in relation to the 1700 appropriate. trade and agriculture. had no prior convictions and plus members of the Buccament Prescott was charged under The SVG delegation comprised: Minister of pleaded guilty at the first available Wise and Prudent Friendly Society, Section 209(i) of the Criminal Code.

Agriculture, Saboto Caesa, head of the opportunity. who have been defranchised as a The offence carries a maximum He said the defense was aware result of Prescott’s actions. He penalty of two years in prison in the delegation; Government Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Carlos that some of the original charges pointed out that those who Magistrate’s Court. were not correct, hence the reason depended on monies from the Corporal Colin May investigated James; St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to Venezuela, Andreas Wickham; why the accused had initially Friendly Society annually to the case. and a member of the private sector, Norman maintained his innocence. prepare for Christmas, were unable Pemberton.

According to the veteran lawyer, to enjoy a good Christmas last year

SVG joins ALBA in support of Venezuela

J.P. Jailed for stealing $$thousands

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4. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Court

Historic development in witness protection

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche said that he hopes the recent development where a witness gave evidence under the Witness (Special Measures) Act, would encourage others to come forward.

by HAYDN HUGGINS A HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT occurred at the Serious Offences Court last Friday, August 4, in relation to the issue of protection and safety of witnesses in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

For the first time in

SVG, a witness gave evidence under the Witness (Special Measures) Act, which was passed in 2013.

The witness testified in the Preliminary Inquiry (P.I.) in which Dennike Billingy has been charged with the September 29, 2015 murder of Dennis ‘Den’ Quintyn, who died following a shooting incident in New Montrose, where he was also living.

Senior Prosecutor Adolphus Delpleche told THE VINCENTIAN on Monday, that the development was not only historic and significant because the witness in question was the first to testify under the Act, but also because the evidence was given under total anonymity.

Delpleche pointed out that the Act provides for witnesses to give evidence without having to be physically present in Court, and the procedure in having this done could include total

anonymity.

The prosecutor explained that in this case, the evidence-inchief was electronically pre-recorded and presented in Court, and the witness was crossexamined live via Skype,

by Billingy’s attorney Grant Connell.

Delpleche said he hopes that the recent development, especially in light of the fact the witness gave evidence under total anonymity, will boost the confidence of those who may feel intimidated to come forward and give evidence.

He stressed that they would be protected under the Witness (Special Measures) Act, and this Act has been tested in Court.

If the prosecution wants a witness to testify and be cross-examined under the Act, it is required that an application be made before the Court. There will then be a hearing, following which the

Dennis Quintyn was shot and killed in New Montrose, the community in which he was raised.

Court would make a decision.

The prosecution would have to satisfy the Court as to why the application should be granted, as provided by the Act. Meanwhile the Serious Offences Court ruled that Billingy will stand trial in the High Court for the murder of Quintyn.

At the conclusion of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on Monday, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Brwone committed Billingy to stand trial, after concluding that a prima facie case was made out.

Nine witnesses testified for the prosecution, including the one who gave evidence under the Witness (Special Measures) Act, and the investigator, Corporal Biorn Duncan.

1,012 pounds of marijuana.

Vincentian Brian Mayers, said to be of Chateaubelair, and Dominican national Allick Couriol were

A 54-YEAR-OLD Marriaqua man was taken into custody at the Calliaqua Police Station yesterday, in connection with the stabbing death of his former lover, 40year-old Vesta Rawlins of Richland Park.

Rawlins, a mother of eight, succumbed to her injuries yesterday morning at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, following the attack which occurred at the deceased’s home Vesta Rawlins was reportedly stabbed multiple on Tuesday night. times about her body.

Reports indicate that the woman was stabbed several times about her body, including neck, chest and stomach.

It was also being reported that Rawlins’ oneyear-old daughter received minor injuries during the attack, but is expected to make a full recovery.

This latest incident brings the number of homicides committed for the year to 20. (DD)

Victim dies in ICU – Probe ongoing

by HAYDN HUGGINS

UP TO PRESS TIME Wednesday, investigations were ongoing into the death of 72-year-old Lawrence Alexander, a retired fisherman of Union Island, who was reportedly struck in his head with a stool at a bar in that Southern Grenadine island, July 25.

On July 31, 34-year-old pest technician Rudolph Andrews appeared before Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne, at the Serious Offences Court, charged with unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Alexander with intent.

Andrews was remanded until Monday 7th August for bail review busted at sea by St. after Prosecutor Station Sergeant Lucia law enforcement Elgin Richards informed the Court officers on July 21. that Alexander was warded at the The two appeared in Intensive Care Unit at the Milton Court and were Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), formally charged with with an injury, and the only possession of a mobile part of his body was his controlled drug and neck. possession with However, when Andrews intent to supply. returned to Court on Monday, the Reports are that Prosecutor indicated that he was the two were informed that the victim had died. intercepted by Andrews was further remanded Marine Police and is expected to return to Court around 8:45pm, off next Monday.

Vieux Fort on the Dominican national Allick Couriol (left) and At press time Wednesday, THE south coast of St. Vincentian Brian Mayers (centre) on their way VINCENTIAN was reliably Lucia. to a St. Lucia court. (Photo Credit: St. Lucia informed that to date, no other Couriol, police online news) charge was laid in connection with say, sustained a the incident, but that gunshot wound to during the interception (Source: St. Lucia investigations were ongoing. the shoulder online news) exercise.

Vincentian nabbed in St. Lucia A VINCENTIAN is one of two men who will appear in a St. Lucia Court on September 9, 2017, to answer to charges in connection with possession of

Richland Park woman succumbs to stab wounds

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 5.

Regional

Call for former PM to be investigated

Balwin Spencer could well do without this allegation against his character as he looks forward to his twilight years. (Credit: You Tube Photo)

IT HAS BEEN OVER FOURTEEN months since John Ashe - disgraced Antigua-born former President of the United Nations – died as a result of a purported ‘weightlifting accident’, but even in death he has left a veil of suspicion over the heads of certain leading politicians in his native Caribbean country.

Last week, following conviction in a US federal court in New York of Chinese billionaire Ng Lap Seng on bribery charges involving John Ashe, the Antigua Observer, in an editorial entitled “Who are the interlocutors?”, called for “public inquiries” into related allegations against unnamed “ministers and high officials”.

The ministers and high officials in Antigua and Barbuda implicated in the Ng/Ashe bribery scandal are said to be former prime minister and current MP, Baldwin Spencer, and former

Harold Lovell, who has sat not without discomfort as political leader of the UPP, may just be feeling that bit more uncomfortable with this latest finger pointing in his direction. (You Tube photo)

finance minister, Harold Lovell, now Political Leader of the Opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) opposition.

The Observer referred to evidence in the case in New York, during which an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified connections between Ng and members of the former UPP administration in Antigua and Barbuda.

Included in the statements made by the FBI were references to at least three occasions on which Ashe was involved in the passage of large sums of money to Antigua politicians, including then Prime Minister Balwin Spencer and then Minister of Finance Harold Lovell.

Those reference date back to June 26, 2012 and continued to July 26, 2014.

The FBI agent testified that during that period there were at least two payments - US$100,000 and US$170,000 - to Spencer, and indication of an attempt to or a payment to Lovell, whom Ashe described as “a high school classmate of mine,”

Right: John Ashe was ssaid to have worked his ‘magic’ among his friends in the UPP Antigua and Barbuda government. (Credit: WSJ) who “would facilitate establishment of offshore banks.”

What happened as a result of Ashe’s ‘contact and sway’ with the Spencer-led government was, according to the agent’s testimony, that a number of Ng and Ashe’s cohorts were appointed “economic envoy and advisers to the Office of the Prime Minister.”

The current Antigua Labour Party, Gaston Browne-led administration, recently noted that it had inherited several holders of diplomatic passports issued by the outgoing Spencer/Lovell administration. Several of those appointments have been revoked.

There has been no official response to the Antigua Observer’s call.

(Source: Caribbean News Now, Antigua Observer)

Multiple fatalities in serious accident in Vieille Case victims are said to be from the village of Penville to which they were travelling when the mishap occurred.

A source here described the area as being very much like the Rock Gutter area here in northern St. Vincent, with a narrow roadway along extended areas of cliffs that drop into the rough Atlantic seas.

Early reports from Dominica said that a The circle showsthe spot where the vehicle rescue group, came to a rest after plunging over the cliff. including police and (Photo Credit: DOL) villagers, was able to brave the rough seas A VEHICULAR MISHap in and retrieve the bodies from the Dominica has reportedly claimed wrecked vehicle. the lives of five men.

Prime Minister and MP for the Reports are that the mishap took place around 7:00 a.m. last Sunday, Vieille Case Constituency, Roosevelt when a vehicle plunged over a cliff, Skerrit and Opposition Leader Lennox Linton moved swiftly to killing all five on board.

The incident took place in Vieille express sadness over the mishap.

The Prime Minister described the Case in the northern part of accident in a statement on Sunday Dominica. as ‘tragic.’

Sources say the vehicle ran off Dominica news agencies said the road and plunged down a cliff in aan area known as Ambas. All the that in a statement: “It is with

The remains of the car in which five persons lost their lives.

(Photo Credit: DOL) profound sadness that I inform all of a tragic accident which took the lives of five very promising young men from my constituency. Just last evening I spent a considerable amount of time with one of the young men as we met with the young people from my constituency.

In fact, he gave the welcome address at the forum. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased. We all share in the pain and suffering. For me personally, it can’t get closer. God shall give us the strength and courage to deal with this tragedy.”

Linton offered condolences to those affected by the tragedy.

“Our best wishes, thoughts and prayers for God’s guidance, support and protection to the relatives and friends of the five young brothers who lost their lives in that tragic vehicular accident in Ambas, Vielle Case this morning. May their souls rest in peace,” he said on his Facebook page.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unknown.

(Main Source: DOL)

Three Dominican Opposition Members charged ACTION AGAINST OPPOSITION politicians in Dominca took another turn last Friday, August 4, 2017, when summonses were served on three prominent opposition members.

According to the Dominica OnLine news service, the police have charged three members of the United Workers Party (UWP) with “obstruction”, dating back to Lennox Linton – the aftermath of a Leader of the February 7, 2017 public Opposition – meeting organized by opposition parties, to demand Dominica. the resignation of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Opposition Leader and Leader of the UWP Lennox Linton, Roseau South MP Joshua Francis and UWP PRO, former superintendent of police, Nicholas George, received the summonses on Friday, August 4, 2017, instructing that they had been to summoned appear in court for “willfully obstructing police in the MP Joshua Francis execution of their duty.”

This latest action follows on similar action taken by the police immediately after acts of violence and vandalism that occurred following the meeting of February 7, 2017.

The February incident followed on reported protests and other actions that had erupted against the Dominica Labour Party government led by Prime Minister Roosvelt Skerrit since November 2016.

Several days after the incident of February 7, 2017 which included acts of public disorder that affected businesses in capital Roseau, former UWP political leader Claudius Sanford was arrested, held for 10 hours and charged with suspicion of obstruction.

Two other prominent members of the UWP, Joseph Isaac and Dr. Thompson Fontaine as well as Johnson Boston, General Secretary of the Dominica Freedom Party, another opposition party, were also taken into police custody.

However, according to Dominica Online, none was charged.

The United Workers Party (UWP) has characterized the arrests as the ‘political persecution’ of its political leaders, while Boston has accused the government of using the police action to suppress democracy.

The Joshua Francis matter MP Joshua Francis is set for September 25, 2017.

(Major Source: Dominica Nicholas George, Online) PRO – UWP.

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6. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Diaspora

Oscar Allen: ÂA man for all seasonsÊ

Rev Patrick Perrin speaks with a personal knowledge of the man referred to as ‘Bro A.

by Nelson A. King naking@verizon.net; kingnaking210@yahoo.com

US CORRESPONDENT A JAMAICAN-BORN United Methodist Church pastor in New York says that news of the passing of Vincentian social and political activist Oscar Allen has left him with “a sense of sadness and profound loss.”

The Rev. Patrick Perrin — an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and current pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church of Elmont in Valley Stream, Long Island, a New York City suburb, described Allen as “A man for all seasons”, and referred to his death as a loss, not only to St. Vincent and the Grenadines but also to the entire Caribbean and the Americas.

In an exclusive interview with THE VINCENTIAN, Rev Perrin said Allen was “A man with a keen mind, sharp thinking, brilliant intellect, deep passion and even deeper compassion for the poor.”

He continued, “Loosely labeled a radical, and frequently identified as a Marxist and socialist, Oscar remained unfazed….. no label accurately pigeon-holed him. He was very well centered and secure

within himself, as would have been discovered by anyone who took the time to know him. The leaders of our church did not take that time. They did not know him!”

Amidst MarxistLeninists, Rev. Perrin said Allen would stand in contradistinction, pointing out the flaws and foibles of doctrinaire socialists in many of their positions and especially in a Caribbean context.

“He would probably see himself more in line with Mao Tse Tung,” he said. “But, even then, he would critique some of the actions of the great Chinese communist leader.

“It was clear to me that the only credible model of leadership that Oscar could find and would espouse was none other than that of Jesus of Nazareth,” Rev. Perrin added.

Engaging with Oscar Rev. Perrin said that, in September 1968, he [Rev. Perrin] moved onto the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and resided at the United Theological Seminary of the West Indies (UTCWI), waiting to begin the courses required for ordination as a member of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA).

Rev. Perrin noted that Allen was not on the campus at the time, but added that his name was.

He said those who knew Allen were anxiously awaiting his return to UTC from Haiti where he had volunteered to spend his second year as a college student.

“And so, it was in 1969 that I was able to put a face to the name,” Rev. Perrin said. “I immediately realized that this man of God was specially gifted and

called to ministry, and it was not going to be in the traditional setting or style of ministry as we knew it”.

Rev. Perrin said the world in the late 60s was in a state of flux, adding that “the world of the Caribbean was no exception.”

It was, he noted, a period of unrest, with the younger generation becoming very vocal and violent in several countries - in Eastern and Western Europe, including England, and in the United States (“Black Power”) and in the Caribbean (Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago).

“Oscar was an active and relevant participant in those dialogues and situations of ferment and foment,” he said, disclosing that Allen was a member of the Student Christian Movement (SCM) and representative at the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) in Helsinki, Finland.

At the first Caribbean Ecumenical Consultation on Development, held in Chaguaramus, Trinidad and Tobago in November 1971 — which gave birth to the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC) in 1973 — Rev. Perrin said one of the main events planned was a cocktail party for the delegates, hosted by the Governor General, Sir Solomon Hochoy.

He said Allen raised a question about the appropriateness of the church attending a State cocktail party, and the message that it was sending to the people of the Caribbean at a time of great unrest.

Rev. Perrin noted that a state of emergency was still then in place in Trinidad and Tobago.

He said Allen indicated that he would not be attending the event as a matter of principle, and that the youth delegation voted to

boycott the Governor General’s event, moving a resolution on the floor of the convention the next day, inviting all delegates to stage a boycott.

“The Oscar Allen is described as a prophet and a creative artist. delegates voted overwhelmingly ‘employ his gifts “It educated us away to boycott the cocktail elsewhere.’” from the people of the party,” Rev. Perrin said. Caribbean whom we “I toned down Oscar’s “There was only one were called to serve,” he written response to the dissenting vote. That was said. “He [Allen] wanted Rev. Mr. Sherlock,” Rev. a defining moment in the to return to Haiti, but Perrin said. “But among life of the Caribbean other things, which I not with a theological Church, and the rest is could not have toned degree. He confronted history.” down, was the complaint the church authorities that Oscar had rightfully with a demand that he Redefining his mission be transferred to either made that a man ‘who does not even know me the Jamaica School of On his return from Agriculture (JSA) or the has no qualms in making Haiti, Rev. Perrin said such statements and College of Arts Science Allen, that very first day and Technology (CAST), judgements about me.’” when he met him, Quickly thereafter, which would give him expressed his desire to go the necessary skills he Rev. Perrin said Allen back to the Frenchmoved into community would need for a more speaking Caribbean organizing, effective ministry in country as soon as he communicating with Haiti.” graduated from the small farmers, building But while Allen UTCWI. argued his position with capacity, consulting with He gave away most of church and college national and his personal belongings, leaders, Rev. Perrin said international Rev Perrin quipped.

Allen worked with Birch organizations, and “As he spoke with me and him to revise the making vital and Birch [the Rev. Dr. contributions to improve bylaws of the Students Birchfield Aymer, who the quality of life for Association — “to make has now retired from many. that revision into a active ministry and is “Sometimes, his manifesto for a group residing in his native called the Student Action ministry manifested as Antigua], Oscar political activism but Committee (SAC), and lamented the need for run candidates from SAC always as the ideal more relevance of the in the upcoming elections pastor and teacher, church, especially in looking unto Jesus, the for student leadership.”

Haiti,” Rev. Perrin author and finisher of his Rev. Perrin said all added. “Birchfield and I SAC candidates won the deep, deep faith and became his confidantes elections, and Allen was trust in a God who never and sounding board. failed,” Rev. Perrin said made president of the “We held vigorous about Allen.

Students Association of debates, but we were “Oscar continued to be UTCWI. He would agreed on one thing: The prepare to assume office Oscar,” he added. “He need for relevance was truly a prophet and in September of that political, social, economic year, Rev. Perrin said. a creative artist. He did and religious,” he But, after the summer not seek to store up any continued. “So, Oscar treasures on earth, but holidays, Rev. Perrin used two words very he sought after justice, said Allen received a often: Relevance and letter from the president righteousness and peace decadence, and he placed of the Methodist — what Jesus called ‘the every person, institution Conference, the Rev. Kingdom of God.’ or position taken, in one Hugh B. Sherlock, “of “He loved or either category.” unconditionally and gave blessed memory,” As far as Allen was sacrificially,” Rev. Perrin advising Allen of, and concerned, the continued about the regretting, the church’s theological education decision to “terminate his social and political that was being offered activist. “He gave his all. candidacy for ministry, was decadent, Rev. He gave himself.” wishing him the best, Perrin said. and advising him to

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 7.

News

Another step for United Returnees AFTER YEARS OF TOILING in the USA and UK to better improve themselves and to make good for their families, nationals of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are returning home to see out their twilight years.

The truth is, though, that many of these returnees are still quick of mind and physically able, and are not prepared to sit in some armchair and watch their twilight years slip idly by.

And so it was that eleven years ago, a group of returnees from the USA and the UK decided to come together, with the initial purpose of creating a bond among themselves. This ‘coming together’ quickly expanded in purpose, and the group, recognising its members’ own capacity and resource pool, and their

strength in numbers, made it their signal objective to offer assistance to cases of need in their homeland.

Thus was born, in 2006, the United Returnees Association (URA), which today boasts a membership of some thirty highly motivated and committed persons.

Additionally, the URA has developed as a first point of contact and guidance for many Vincentians still resident overseas, who are considering returning home.

Based in the areas straddling the South Central and South Leeward constituencies, the community outreach programme of the URA has, in the main, been concentrated in that area. Of particular focus of the outreach programme is the

Founding members of the URA, Felix Caesar (left) and Jimmy Samuel, the latter renowned for his Christmas Lighting at his home in Rillan Hill, turned the sod to ceremonially mark the beginning of construction.

relationship that the group has fostered with the Golden Years Centre at Buccament. But assistance has also been ongoing as far as education is concerned.

All of this was celebrated in a vibrant exhibition of accomplishment last Tuesday, August 8, at Buccament.

On that day, in temperatures that made it feel as though those gathered were having an extra bath, given the floods of perspiration that flowed from heads to toes, members of the URA converged on an open spot of land at Buccament, to turn the sod for the commencement of construction of their own ‘Club House’.

Rev. Mark Da Silva, Roman Catholic priest for the parish into which Buccament falls, was on hand to offer blessings for the safe construction and use of the proposed building, which he described as “symbolic” of what should be ‘good intentions’.

In his admonition to the members gathered, he urged them to “learn to smile at the storm,” as he encouraged them to stay focused and committed, even in the face of detractors, and to do good always.

Kenneth Abraham, Vice President of the URA, deputizing for President James Clark who was absent due to illness, offered words of

Members of the URA braved the scorching heat to be part of the historic day in the annals of their Association.

The site for the construction of the United Returnees Association’s Club House.

Rev. Fr. Mark Da Silva offers words of blessing and encouragement at the sod turning ceremony. welcome and thanks, and referred to this “first step” as “one more step for the community,” since, as he said, the ‘Club House’ would be used not only by the Association, but “the intention is to make it available for use by the community.”

Site preparation is

expected to commence soonest, and with plans already approved, a construction team decided upon, the ‘real work’ should commence, according to Abraham, in the next two weeks.

Construction work is to be undertaken under the watchful and expert eye of Daniel Jeffers of

Kenneth Abraham, Vice President of the URA, looks foward to the Club House being put to meaningful use by the surrounding communities.

Layou.

For the time being, the URA will continue to meet every last Monday of the month, at the Golden Years Center at Buccament.

And as Abraham said, “Anyone who has been overseas and wants to join the crowd is welcome to do so.”

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8. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Managing Editor: Desiree Richards Editor: Cyprian Neehall Telephone: 784-456-1123 Fax: 784-451-2129 Website: www.thevincentian.com Email: vinpub@thevincentian.com Mailing Address: The Vincentian Publishing Co. Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Editorial

Challenges in delivering health care THIS IS NO APOLOGY for the seemingly qualitative diminution in the standard of health care provisions here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. No amount of outbursts, rationalisation and even clever spins can take away from the fact that we are failing to satisfy even the most basic expectations of our citizens, as far as their health care is concerned.

Health officials/experts agree that developing countries need to improve access to health care for the poor, to prevent deaths from manageable health concerns like non-communicable diseases.

SVG, like the region, has seen significant social and economic changes over the past 50 years, but still has a high variation in terms of economic development and health profiles among its population.

Even with all the much touted reforms in the health sector, the effectiveness and coverage of health systems, despite some positive results, have not achieved the proposed goals. One of the reasons behind this situation is the absence of public health strategies.

The average health expenditure (as a percentage of GDP) in the Caribbean and Latin American is 6.7%, (Source: Panamerican Health Organization 2012), but there is a high variability in both the expenditure and per capita income in each country.

At the same time, the average investment in public health is below that of First World countries, as one would expect, given the economic variation.

The question is: Can we ensure improvement of health services in a region facing unpredictable socioeconomic forecasts?

Yes. Prioritization should be addressed within each country. We must understand that health outcomes are not based solely on the expenditure, but also on how resources are allocated, according to priorities and strategies.

Identifying the challenges is the first step. Given what has erupted in our health system recently, we are left wondering about whether this is even a considered step in our health agenda.

There are, for this discussion, four challenges facing SVG. Access to health services: Since the 90s, the World Health Organization has urged countries in the region towards universal health coverage (Insurance).

Here in SVG, we have heard incessantly about how a National Health Insurance Scheme is in the making. It is time to stop the making and produce the real thing.

2. Training and distribution of human resources in health: Few countries in the region meet international indicators, such as number of doctors/nurses per 10,000 inhabitants, or hospital beds

available per 1,000 inhabitants.

Even worse than the availability of resources, is what passes as a distribution of these resources.

Citizens still crowd capital cities across the Caribbean — SVG no exception — in search of basic health care services, because, in their perception — right or wrong — rural areas are neglected.

The problem is not only a lack of resources which a government could (easily) blame on some external economic shock, but simple atrociously poor distribution.

3. Inequalities in health: The Caribbean, SVG included, is characterized by a high level of inequity and inequality, regardless of how governments would boast otherwise. A significant percentage of the population remains at the base of the pyramid. As such, therefore, a greater percentage of the population is at a higher risk, as health problems are often influenced by societal factors such as education, sociocultural level, income, and even ethnicity.

4. Financing health systems: Changes in patterns of disease and rising aging populations increase the cost of health care. It appears that our current health system is financed based on illness, which means resources have to increase as more people get sick.

This mechanism becomes unsustainable, or difficult to sustain, even at the very basic levels (medication). as per the current SVG situation.

Health system based on disease and not health, would everlastingly be limited.

That said, it is well that we understand that how we respond to the health needs of our population is the result of the decisions taken at the political, economic and social level.

Health problems should be solved by interdisciplinary and inter-sector action, not by health professionals alone.

There must be, even in our situation of economic fragility, increased investment in public health, as well as seeking alternative funding mechanisms that encourage prevention, instead of funding based on illness. health promotion, disease prevention and healthcare from basic levels.

Health problems such as chronic noncommunicable diseases must be addressed by improving primary health care and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Finally, innovative solutions must be explored. Technology, social innovation, and interaction between the public and private sectors can provide solutions to the problems of access to health services.

We must understand that health is a pillar of development for a country and SVG must improve public health outcomes, or social and economic improvements won’t be sustainable.

Oscar is not dead as long as his legacy lives on in our society LAST WEEK’S ARTICLE “Laugh as Therapy” turned out to be “laugh as folly”, for instead of offering escape and relief from our recurring crises, the article appeared callously as a sick joke poking fun at the death of Oscar Allen whom all and sundry now rate as an unsung hero.

The truth is that I had time to switch my article from merriment to tragedy, but I was completely floored and devastated by Oscar’s sudden departure which rendered me mentally immobile.

In fact, I say only a little about him. As the beautiful tributes to him last week all remarked in various ways, Oscar deserves a compilation of writings on him, as suggested.

Everybody stressed Oscar’s humility as selfless love of country that extended to his very demise in our hospital which remains suspect. It is an aspect of this loving to a fault which I pick as my present topic.

I claim to love my country perhaps as deeply as did Oscar. I attended our hospital for all it was worth, even though a Labour Party leader, Vincent Beache, had deemed it a Morgue!

I recently brought back from Barbados an ailment that led to surgery, which I had been advised to pursue in Barbados, but I chose my home-land.

Even when I went abroad, I would somehow contact Vincentian doctors: my heart condition took me to Trinidad to be treated by Dr. Tricia Cummings, incidentally a relative of Oscar’s, or further to Chicago cardiologist

Earling Harry, recently deceased, to pronounce on the state of my health.

My love of country is so naturally strong that at the end of my studies in London, towards the end of 1971, I booked passage home to SVG along with my wife and four children, ages 8, 7, 5, and 3. The airline people expressed surprise that we were flying to SVG where many persons were leaving to escape the anticipated wrath of a threatening hurricane!

Love of my country I dare say like Oscar’s, cannot be measured by specific indices. One may say that he was foolish or stupid or self-sacrificial.

Oscar relied on faith, trust and love to see him through. I have suspicion that a resurrected Oscar, facing similar conditions, will choose no differently.

Clear- headed thinkers will attribute many of our problems to poverty and small size that once more raises the question of a formal coming-together of our islands that would secure for us in so many areas, a better and more realistic chance of an enhanced human existence. I end for now, but not before making some light comments.

There were two friends in early 1972 who helped me transfer living at New Montrose to Villa.

They were Hugh Stewart and Oscar Allen, both agriculturalists and believers that the people must own and cultivate the land, both purveyors of what they stood for.

Hugh is still around.

If Oscar is given a traditional funeral,

according to the Methodist community, there is a bevy of eulogists from whom to choose. In order: his older brother Sir Errol Allen, his nephew Andrew Cummings Q.C, his brother-in-law Dr. Michael Joshua, his longstanding comrade in arms Simeon Green or his daughter Anella.

I, however, expect it to be Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar and or, better yet the Prime Minister himself, following the modern trend set since 2001, as per Saluche Small, Elwardo Lynch, Edgar Cruickshank and others.

Another funeral of another good man, Rawl Soso has probably passed unnoticed. He had been, among other things, a family friend, especially to my brother Eric who shared with him their passion for music. Long before their marriage, his deceased wife Norma Best had me at the Wesley Hall School as a teacher’s pet.

My childhood neighbor, Lionel Smith probably sounded on his saxophone the last post to the trumpeter Rawl Soso.

I could not attend the sending-off of Rawl Soso owing to its clash with the celebration at the St. Paul Anglican Church of the fortieth anniversary of the pilgrimage of Everton Weekes and Ulric Jones, on the Christian journey via the Anglican Church.

Continued on Page 9.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 9.

Letters

A call to the PM of T&T

I AM CALLING on the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to take measures to stop Taiwan fishing vessels, registered under the St. Vincent and the Grenadines flag, from offloading Atlantic tuna catches in the twinisland Republic.

Taiwan has about 38 fishing vessels registered with SVG fish licences and under the SVG national flag, and is required thus, to comply with the regulations laid down by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the inter-governmental fishery organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas.

It is estimated that SVG is losing over US$3 billion in fish tax each year because of Taiwan’s failure to pay this tax.

The T&T Prime Minister should be supporting unity within CARICOM by encouraging Taiwan vessels to offload all their Atlantic fish catches in SVG. In this way, SVG would be able to collect what is rightfully its own, and will be able to monitor how many tonnes of fish and the species caught.

Once Taiwan vessels are made to comply, billions of dollars would be injected into SVG’s economy, and accord our country the wherewithal to provide for its people — e.g. building factories, generating employment, improving health services and tertiary level education opportunities. In short, SVG would be better positioned to expand and sustain its economic development.

I reiterate my call to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to desist from turning a blind eye as Taiwan fishing vessels evade fish tax to SVG, its CARICOM partner.

Kadmiel McFee Vincentian-born British War Veteran

ÂFrustration killing weÊ SOME YEARS AGO, if my memory serves me correctly, a calypsonian sang a song with the refrain ‘Frustration killing we’. I knew that when that calypsonian sang that song, he was referring to the times then. I want to say to that calypsonian, that things have not changed… ‘Frustration still killing we’ in SVG. To begin with, it’s that

time of the year when bookstores are busy.

Thank God for the credit unions where a number of middle and lower income families can get some assistance — even if it is a loan — to afford the textbooks for their children. And, by the way, anyone notice how those book people take advantage of us? My son used a book in Grade

Four but my next son, who is going to Grade Four, in September, can’t use that book because the booklist says he must get a revised edition.

The thing is there is no difference between my older son’s book and this new edition. Tell me, am I wrong to conclude that there is, some plot here to exploit us parents?

Frustration still killing

I want to be a footballer NEVER IN MY RIGHT mind did I ever believe I would live to see the day when a footballer would be bought for close to US3 million. Now, I am made to eat humble pie because the Brazilian footballer we know as Neymar, has been bought by the French Club Paris SaintGermain (PSG) for close to that amount.

The Brazilian has now become the most expensive footballer ever.

All of this leads me to

reflect on the days when playing sport was because you loved it, and playing for your country was all about pride.

How many men the world over, including our own, would have gone to their graves never having earned a cent for the passion and skill they exhibited on the football field.

Not now, Mr. Editor — it seems that money has now replaced love of the sport and loyalty to fans.

It’s all about me, me and

me.

All of this grand spending would have a serious trickle-down effect as far as I see it.

Can we blame our players, even if they are amateurs, when they ‘ask’ for a little pittance and a little this and that when they have to give up their jobs temporarily, some without pay, to represent their country?

Long ago a boat ride or a plane ticket would have been enough… NOT NOW!!

Football is now all about big, big business… lots of money. And FIFA stands to benefit from all I HOPE THE AUTHORITIES are following all the of this. Let us hope that developments with the ‘herb’ — marijuana. small fledging states like For years, Rastaman has been preaching about ours can share the medical value of the ‘herb,’ but Babylon just proportionately in the wasn’t listening. Well, it seems Babylon has just FIFA gold mine. caught on to what Rastaman has been saying for By the way, Mr. decades, and is now well set on the way to making Editor, did you know millions of dollars. that Neymar is said to I am glad that Babylon has recognized the ‘herb,’ spend up to US$2,000 a but I am sad that it looks like is the same old story month on his hair, and in Babylon — the rich shall get richer. that on one visit to a The way I see it, is that for all the ‘suffration’ show store, he spent Ratsaman go through because of the ‘herb’, he going US$30,000 on sneakers? to be the last one to benefit from Babylon’s gains.

Football these days is all about kicking the ball Rastaman to the bank.

Babylon and the ‘herb’

Recognise Frankie A LETTER WRITER in a recent issue of THE VINCENTIAN raised concern about the absence of Frankie Mc Intosh from any mention in the grand celebrations to mark the 40th Anniversary of the change of our carnival from a Pre-Lenten one to one held in late June early July.

I couldn’t agree with that writer more. It was an affront to the nation not to have recognized the man who single-handedly put St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the map. Through his musical genius, persons the world over came to recognize Vincy Music, and soon he was also making a big difference for calypsonians in Trinidad and Tobago.

Without Frankie, there would have never been the sweet and everlasting masterpieces of Becket, SoSo, Scorcher and the likes. And without the likes of Becket, SoSo and Scorcher, there might not have been any Vincy Mas at all.

Maybe we will correct this blatant error and do something that will accord Frankie Mc Intosh the respect and recognition that we, Vincentians, should pay this great man.

Charles

Harold D. Kingstown

we!

And if you think this Book Loan Scheme is of help, think again. I don’t know if it’s another plan, but bet your last dollar, you will never get the more expensive books from the Book Scheme. Frustration still killing we!

Of course, there are all the fees, registration this and that, that you have to pay before your child is accepted into secondary school. In some cases, these fees will continue, for one reason or the other, every month or every term. There might be a place for every child who wants to go to secondary school, but there is nothing free about it.

Frustration still killing

we!

I could go on and on, but nuff said for the time being.

GAM

Oscar is not dead as long as his legacy lives on in our society Continued from Page 8.

It was simply great, entertaining, spiritual and even cultural. I have seldom spent a more edifying three hours plus in my life. Through our turbulent time, the message of hope, life, faith and love rang clearly and forthrightly. We are reminded in spite of all, that God still reigns supreme.

The Pentecostals also celebrated 50 years of ministry by George Frederick. I recall our gathering together several years ago- Dr. George Frederick, Andrew Cummings, a Roman Catholic Priest Father Rennison Howell, and I launched the “Searchlight” radio programme, that served as a public beacon of light in various fields including social affairs, cultural and religious issues.

Congrats, Dr. Frederick.

News now coming to hand has indicated that Oscar’s funeral will take place at the Methodist Church Kingstown, after which mourners will travel to Diamonds at Earlene Horne Square for the final “celebration” of his death. Interment will be at the Diamonds cemetery.

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10. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

More support for education and consumers

Introduction IT IS AN ACCEPTED FACT that whenever and wherever the ULP administration and Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves find extra resources, that money is allocated to the poor and the working class. That has been the story of the ULP administration over the last sixteen years as the political strategy called “People- Centred Development” is unfurled, bringing benefits to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

This week, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves at his media conference, announced that in excess of 40 student loans were being made available under the disadvantaged loan scheme, at a value of EC$2.2 million. These loans will be made available to students who are disadvantaged, and can’t meet the cost of furthering their education at the University of the West Indies. Last year, the student loan company awarded some 70 students with the financing to allow them to attend the UWI campuses in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica. This year that figure will go past the one hundred mark.

All this is in addition to the students who received national awards and bursaries to study at the UWI campuses. The government budgets about EC$7 million annually to take care of the economic costs at the UWI, and this is in addition to the money that is made available for the disadvantaged student loan programme. Under this programme, the ULP administration has provided over EC$90 million for Vincentian students. This is a serious commitment to the young people of this country.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the ULP administration has transformed the delivery of education, in terms of access, spread and quality. In this process, the ULP has altered immeasurably, and for the better, the lives of young persons, their families, and the nation as a whole. Gone are the days when only the privileged few in the country could go to university.

Many of our bright students who come from homes which are disadvantaged, have benefited from this loan programme, and in many cases are doing well. The government, therefore, requires that these students honour their commitments to the student loan company. To be sure, there will be some difficult situations here and there, but a conversation with the officials of the student loan company, is bound to provide a solution to any situation.

persons for the YES programme. This will raise the SET workers to 217 persons, and the YES positions to 550, a grand total of 767 persons being employed. Here is further commitment from the ULP administration to the young people of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. We can argue that the ULP administration could have found other uses for that EC$1.4 million dollars, but this is all part of the commitment to the youth of the state.

Lest we forget, the SET programme is an apprentice driven strategy for our young graduates, where they earn a stipend, while acquiring job related training and skills. The YES programme is in a similar vein, but for graduates from our secondary schools.

Many persons from the SET and the YES programmes have moved on to full time jobs in the private and public sectors, and are doing well. Let’s not forget the disrespect that the opposition NDP accorded to the YES programme, when they referred to it as the Youth Exploitation Service.

Road repairs and road work

It has been a while in coming, but during his media conference Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced that the special road repairs programme will get underway immediately, at a cost of some EC$13.7million dollars, all aimed at improving the road network for motorists and other road users.

Earlier, a programme had commenced aimed at repairing the five worst roads in the constituencies on the mainland, and three in the Grenadines. This is currently in process at a cost of EC$6.9 million.

Now that programme will be expanded to include repairs to the ten worst pieces of roads, in each constituency on the mainland, at a cost now of EC$13.7 million dollars.

We do not have the space to detail the list of the roads to be repaired, but at the end of the exercise, the road network in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be in a much better state for motorists and other users.

Prime Minister Gonsalves has also announced that he is making available a sum of EC$2 million for a road cleaning programme to commence shortly in the State. This of course will provide work for a number of persons, particularly those who have to meet the costs of sending their children to school.

All this activity will be followed by the major road re-construction work to More SET and YES positions the tune of EC$34 million obtained from the Kuwaiti Fund. This At his media conference this week, programme should have started Prime Minister Gonsalves announced earlier this year, but there were some that he was able to source some bureaucratic delays that prevented EC$1.4 million, and that this will go this from happening. towards creating more positions for All this shows that the country has the Support for Education and an administration that is working Training, and the Youth hard to provide for the development Empowerment Service programmes. needs of the country. The voters have This is indeed welcome news for two of returned the ULP for a record 4th the programmes which have been consecutive term in office, and the successful, in providing training for ULP will ensure that the faith and young people in the country. trust placed in it by the people of St. So from the month of September Vincent and the Grenadines is not 2017, the ULP administration will misplaced. employ an additional 67 SET programme workers, as well as 100

Health Crisis in St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

(Excerpts of Press Statement by the Honourable Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the NDP) WIKIPEDIA DEFINES AN Anesthesiologist in the following way; “Anesthesiologists provide medical care to patients in many different ways. They provide care during preoperative evaluation, in consultation with the surgical team, and assist physicians in the creation of a plan for anesthetic intervention tailored for each individual patient. Anesthesiologists often provide more intensive care techniques such as assistance with airway management, intra-operative life support and provision of pain control, intra-operative diagnostic stabilization and proper postoperative management of patients. An anesthesiologist’s scope of practice also involves in-hospital and pre-hospital emergencies, work within intensive care units, acute pain units and chronic pain consultation.”

I give this background so that a clearer picture can be made of the serious role these specialist doctors play in any operation where the patients have to be sedated. These are persons who are trained physicians who have completed medical school and an accredited anesthesiology residency. At the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), we are told that there are normally three anesthesiologists to serve this institution. However, for more than five weeks now there has been only one anesthesiologist on call at that institution, who has been severely overworked. Despite promises of additions to the team, the situation remains the same.

Imagine, at the MCMH all patients get the same meals no matter the nature of their ailment. Patients with diabetes and hypertension are fed the same meals as general patients — meals that aggravate their suffering.

Imagine a situation where many patients have successful operations, only to contract other ailments due to the insanitary conditions in the wards.

Patient records are still kept in worse condition than those in the registry.

This means that patients are often seeing doctors who do not have the benefit of their medical records before them. In an age of electronic communication, this defies logic.

Moreover, St. Vincent and the Grenadines had the chance to establish a children’s hospital to serve the region’s children by specialists right here. Instead, the specialists have to cope with the chaos that exists at the MCMH. Despite this, the officials are boasting about persons coming here to have operations.

Imagine when it rains beds have to be moved to avoid patients being soaked with water in the male section of the hospital. Imagine the portion of the hospital recently refurbished has many problems that make it almost useless due to plumbing and other issues. Imagine expensive sterile gloves have to be used for rectal examination because of a lack of disposable gloves. It means that when needed, sterile gloves are not available.

Imagine patients at MCMH who are just out of major surgery, are asked to go home to make room for others. In many cases these persons have to return to the MCMH with serious complications and, in some cases, some have died. Imagine the nursing fraternity, through their politically appointed bosses, is allowed to run the show in defiance of senior doctors, often to the detriment of the patients. Imagine poor persons are embarrassed with requests for payment prior to having an operation and to receiving a death certificate, while big wigs are allowed to have a free rein. Imagine no soap available for the washing of hands; no needles, no bandage, no drips, a general lack of

basic supplies in the main hospital!

Imagine that the head of the OECS PPC came to St. Vincent and the Grenadines and stated categorically that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the worst in making payments for medicine! Imagine that same person concluding that Health Insurances is needed to help address the health care needs here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The NDP’s Health Plan The New Democratic Party (NDP) will take a three-pronged approach to remedy the situation. First, an effective management system will be implemented, with strict accountability from all staff at all facilities. Secondly, a national health insurance system will be established.

Thirdly, a new state of the art hospital, which will include dialysis services, will be built and operated in an appropriate part of the country, and district hospitals will be upgraded, to serve the needs of locals and visitors alike in the most efficient manner.

The management of health care nationwide will be administered by a state corporation with suitably qualified professionals at the Board and management levels. And the assistance of regional and international agencies will be sought to aid the implementation and allow for a phased change over. Among the sub- committees of the Board will be: finance, customer care, innovations and improvements, public relations and staffing.

The procurement and distribution of all medication and medical supplies shall be administered by the corporation. There will be adequate defined mechanisms for public queries, complaints and feedback.

Links will be established to allow for regional institutions to offer tertiary health care to citizens in need. The conditions under which these services will be accessible will be stated publicly, and there will be no discrimination in their application.

And partnerships with international health institutions and teaching institutions will be explored, and, where appropriate, will be developed.

A National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) will be introduced after discussions with the NIS, to provide coverage of basic health care for the insured and their dependants.

The service will be similar to our National Insurance System in that it will be mandatory. However, individuals may, if they so desire, ‘top up’ their coverage with private insurance to cover services not covered by the national system, or to cover private treatment. And private medical practitioners will be able to use the medical facilities in an open and transparent manner, with appropriate safeguards.

Also, we will construct a new state of the art hospital. The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is outdated and is in an inappropriate location with no scope for expansion; it must be replaced. Several district hospitals and clinics are in far worse states. A convenient and central site has already been identified for the construction of a new, modern hospital to replace MCMH; preliminary designs are in hand, and kidney dialysis is among the services to be introduced at the new facility. The NDP has the programmes and policies to effectively manage the health sector.

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 11.

Views

Combatting Envy and Jealousy Crime, Health Care and Trump

“Contentment is bliss, and wishing for what others have can cause misery.”

– Dr. Sherene Kalloo-Deyalsingh, specialist gynaecologist, obstetrician, and newspaper columnist.

DR. SHERENE KALLOO-DEYALSINGH is a national of Trinidad and Tobago. She is an accomplished gynaecologist and obstetrician who regularly makes the time to write articles in their local newspapers. She is talented in this area also – often sharing useful insights about life and living. Her writings inspire and encourage many. She recently shared the following story in one of her publications: There was once a crow that lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied with his life until one day he saw the white swan and through his own blackness was ugly. The crow thought that the swan was happy because of its beauty.

He told this to the swan. In turn, the swan said that she was feeling like she was the happiest bird until she saw the parrot which has two colours, and felt that the parrot was the happiest in creation.

The parrot then told the crow that the peacock which has multiple colours is the happiest bird alive.

The crow visited the peacock in the zoo and saw hundreds of persons looking at it in awe. The crow told the peacock that he is very fortunate to be so happy.

The peacock said that because of his beauty, he is entrapped in the zoo, and each day he yearns to be like the crow — free to happily roam anywhere.

This story is such a useful reminder of the dangers that we expose ourselves to when we are enticed to embrace feelings of envy and jealousy. Our homes, schools, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and churches can be such warm and peaceful places when/if we avoid the temptations to cultivate those base feelings of envy and jealousy; looking at what others have and craving for their possessions.

There is nothing inherently wrong with having aspirations and ambitions to model and mentor others to success. There is nothing fundamentally wrong in focusing on what others have achieved or acquired, and using those observations to drive us to new heights of success. However, we have to be so very careful that our “ambitions” do not drive us over to the “dark side” of life where we become covetous. Therein lies the danger.

There is sometimes such a thin line between “healthy ambition” and “evil covetousness”. However, we can often tell when we have moved from the warm, mellow positive aspirations to the irritating, caustic, negative greed.

The late Dr. Bertril Baird reminds us of the need to learn to “keep our eyes in our own bowl”. He often shared the example of his two grandchildren receiving portions of food from their grandmother and being satisfied with the generous portions … until they looked in each other’s plates. We can often be content with what we have … until we gaze to see what someone else has.

This can also be evident in the workplace. For example, so many employees appear to be totally

happy/satisfied with their work package (salaries, benefits, etc.) until they discover what a co-worker is receiving. We sometimes see the envy and jealousy emerge in neighbourhoods (and churches too) when one individual appears to be making fair progress along the social ladder. Receiving a promotion or acquiring a new vehicle can ignite bitter feelings of resentment if the onlooker has not controlled his or her “envy and jealousy thermostats”.

Dr. Sherene’s story reminds us that, among other things, we are often so very privileged by what we have and who we are. The story reminds us that when we look at others and conclude that they have such valuable assets, these can so easily be considered liabilities. The flip side can also be true — when we think that our situations create and sustain disadvantages in our lives, in their own way, they can be blessings in disguise.

There is wisdom in pausing to reflect on the many ways that we have been blessed. We need not be distracted by what others have. Our noble aspirations could still be pursued and achieved without our entertaining thoughts of covetousness, envy, greed, and jealousy. There are so many passages in the Old and New Testaments in the bible that caution us about the need to avoid such base desires. Many individuals have found themselves in a lot of trouble as they succumbed to the anaconda-type embrace of envy and jealousy. The example of King David readily comes to mind (2 Samuel 11). We can consider how much wealth and power he had been blessed with and the number of wives that he had at his disposal. However, he gazed at another man’s wife (Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba) and coveted her. History records that, having entertained thoughts of envy and jealousy, he orchestrated a series of events that lead to adultery, deception, and murder. His momentary indiscipline resulted in so much misery. The seeds of envy and jealousy can bear many undesirable fruits. They can create physical, emotional, and spiritual pain that defy imagination.

Contentment is the perfect antidote for the contagious and crippling diseases of envy, and jealousy.

Contentment evokes a feeling of bliss and gratitude. Envy and jealousy, on the other hand, create and sustain an epidemic of misery and destruction.

They destroy inner peace and, if not controlled, can spread beyond individuals to contaminate the wider society. Each of us, in our own way, must inoculate ourselves from being infected by these negative feelings that can be so very emotionally and spiritually debilitating. Our love for God, our neighbour, and for self can propel us to take the necessary steps to combat envy and jealousy.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to julesferdinand@gmail.com

A MAN MET ME the other day and berated me for writing on ‘foreign’ issues while our country burns. A woman on Facebook accused me of being an enabler of Gonsalves’ crimes, while yet another described Angela Jackson and I as black monkeys doing Gonsalves and Maduro’s bidding for travelling to Venezuela and saying truthfully what we saw during the recent elections for the Constituent Assembly.

Our approach to these assaults on civil and dignified discourse is to see them as dust on the shirt, knock it off and move on. Plain Talk never takes its eyes off the prize. We will forever proclaim that a new and better world is not only possible and necessary, and approaching much more rapidly than some of us believe. Well, that’s if Donald Trump doesn’t take all of us with him or so foul up the atmosphere with the fallout from nuclear weapons, that we all die a slow, painful death.

Crime is a serious problem. We have repeatedly said that it is the shortsighted politician who tries to score political points if and when this social scourge rises or falls. The same thing goes with health care. No matter how many advances we make in health care, the sensational headline story is always going to be the case where someone dies; when limbs don’t heal properly or when breaches of care are so egregious that someone is held accountable.

We are old enough to remember the Cyrus crisis, and the names of Japaul and Sunderam still ring loudly. If top class hospitals in America and Europe continually get sued for negligence, we can be sure that there are local instances when the hospital and doctors are equally culpable. These are not only regrettable but must be addressed.

But all of these problems pale in comparison if President Trump is not stopped by world public opinion, including the American people who voted for him. In the six months of his presidency, the world has become more unbalanced and unstable. Venezuela’s democracy has been pressured into survival mode as Trump calls for an overthrow of the Maduro Government.

His recent tough talk on North Korea is the most dangerous escalation yet.

In recent days, Trump has recklessly, impulsively and stupidly brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. He has promised fire and fury on North Korea. His Defense Secretary, Jim Mattis, promised destruction to the North Korean Government and people.

Cooler heads might soon prevail.

China might find the diplomatic backchannel that persuades North Korea to step back from the current clash with Washington. The Kim Jung Un regime might calculate for itself that, despite its latest threat to attack the US bases at Guam, further escalation risks its own survival. Or the generals that now flank Trump — John Kelly as Chief of Staff, Jim Mattis as Defense Secretary — might succeed in talking their boss down from the ledge.

But make no mistake. Trump’s remarks last Tuesday have pushed the US to the precipice of nuclear confrontation with North Korea. We have to hope that both parties will step back, but be under no illusion that the

brink is where we stand. And Trump put us there.

The form of words the president used made the critical difference.

Threatening Kim Jong-un with “fire and fury” was bellicose enough. But adding the words “the likes of which this world has never seen before” left no doubt that he was talking about a nuclear strike against North Korea.

It’s worth pausing to consider the obvious consequences of such an action.

Seventy- five million people live on the Korean peninsula. There are also 30,000 US soldiers stationed there.

How many would die if Trump made good on his threat? And that is to reckon without further retaliation and escalation, as Russia or China unleashed their own nuclear arsenals.

This is why all previous US presidents have used only the soberest language when speaking of North Korea. They have understood the human stakes.

They have sought to reduce tension, not ratchet it up.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.” In matters of peace and war you ought to speak softly, so that you don’t ever have to wield a stick. The risk Trump has created is that he will now feel compelled to follow through on his threat, lest he be seen to lose credibility. His “fire and fury” talk has, therefore, put pressure not only on Kim but on himself. He has painted himself into a corner.

Harry Truman told Japan in 1945 that if they did not surrender, “they may expect a rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on this Earth”. Truman made that statement after he had already dropped the atomic bomb, not before. He did not precede that fateful action with bluster and rhetoric, but silence. Japan posed no atomic threat to the US. North Korea has an embryonic arsenal.

The point is that since the dawn of the atomic age, the world’s leaders have understood that these weapons have to be handled with the greatest delicacy. Nuclear standoffs happen, but each side has always understood where the brink lies, and was careful not to overstep it. That means, especially, understanding the need not to say anything that the other side might misinterpret as a cue for war.

Both Washington and Moscow understood that throughout the cold war; it’s what stopped the Cuban missile crisis turning into Armageddon.

It is believed the government in Pyongyang understands that too: it is not suicidal. But the question hanging over the world today is one that has never had to be asked before: does the US president understand this most essential point, one on which the fate of the world depends?

So, while we talk about crime, and decry the state of our health care system, let us all remember that all of our effort comes to naught if we do not mobilize to protect our planet from nuclear destruction.

Send comments, criticisms & suggestions to jomosanga@gmail.com

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12. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Views

Socialism flag of incompetence like Venezuela flies high in SVG

minister’s daughter was flown to Trinidad for medical treatment: another government minister’s son was taken to Barbados for medical treatment, and a third government minister’s wife and child were taken to Jamaica for medical treatment.

It is the poor in SVG who have to suffer the inadequate resources at hospitals in our country. SVG is being pushed to the ground by the incompetence of the ULP regime.

Judging from Luke Browne’s outburst about token charges at the hospital, it would appear that the problem at the hospital is lack of money. To overcome this problem, SVG must end the highly immoral tax exemptions of about EC$3.2 billion WE HAVE SEEN it all over the world: incompetent ULP regime did not have sack Luke Brown as the Minister of annually given to Taiwan and the gross incompetence and a plan B for the shortage of Health & the Environment. super-rich of Mustique and Canouan. mismanagement of state resources is anaesthetists at the hospital in SVG is in an absolute mess under A Green government would make the cornerstone of socialist Kingstown. The ULP regime is the ULP regime. The government sure that these taxes of EC$3.2 billion governments. Gross incompetence and running SVG’s medical services into a lacks the skills to competently manage mismanagement of state resources by state of chaos. our nation’s resources. Are we turning would be paid to the SVG Treasury.

This would give our country significant the socialist government under The SVG Minister of Health & the into Venezuela?

Gonsalves has resulted in totally Environment, Luke Browne, came on The ULP regime has a duty to care latitude to build new modern hospitals and provide a proper medical service inadequate medical care in SVG. local television on 04/08/17 to address for all our people, not least being to The number of anaesthetists the nation on the shortage of provide a high standard of health care. to all our people, free of charge.

SVG urgently needs a change of available was reduced from three to anaesthetists at the Kingstown However, the ULP regime is regime.

We don’t want SVG to become one recently, and the critical shortage hospital. However, he did not apologise deliberately starving the Kingstown of anaesthetists at the hospital in for the shortage of anaesthetists. hospital of the money and resources it another Venezuela.

Kingstown is believed to have had Our people need good health care, needs.

SVG Green Party adverse consequences on patients who not insults from a government They don’t seem to care, as they www.svggreenparty.org have been made to wait far too long for minister. Luke Brown’s outburst on know that when they or their family https://twitter.com/svggreenparty surgery. local television, that token changes are get ill, they can afford to fly abroad https://www.facebook.com/SVGAccording to Warrant Officer Ivan laughable is a gross insult to our and pay for the medical care they Green-Party-154937087877631/ O’Neal, BSc (Hons) MSc, MBA, Leader people. SVG Green Party calls on His want. of SVG Green Party, the highly Excellency the Governor General to Apparently, recently, a government

Saluting Oscar Allen From under the Zabucca Tree FROM MY VANTAGE point here, and on the basis of my interaction with him for a period of over fifty years, OSCAR ALLEN seemed to have lived a life, reflecting a pursuit of connectivity with the one unseen, who is God alone.

It is evident, that he spent his last hours on earth, unswervingly faithful to the task of fashioning for us Vincentians, a society in which peace and justice could thrive, if they were anchored in the respect for the rights of all citizens, who were free to pursue their goals in shelter of the overarching umbrella of freedom and equality, under the sovereign authority of Jehovah, the Creator.

Incidentally, we seem to have fallen into a groove of short-changing some of our distinguished citizens, after they had made worthwhile and sometimes selfsacrificing contributions to the development of our society. They home are denied critical health care

services, in the evening of their years.

I see some parallel in the failure, the shoddy management of our leading hospital, as was exposed by the letter from OSCAR, penned almost in the last minutes of his life; to the last days of my father Leonard Providence. He took ill at his home in Troumaca, and was taken to the hospital in Chateaubelair, but within the hour, he had to be sent to Kingstown. The Leeward Highway was at the time being resurfaced, so that from Barrouallie to Peter’s Hope, we had to be driving on the large stones put down for the base.

When I complained to the driver, that he ought to slow down on that very rough surface, considering the discomfort my father was in, he advised me that the oxygen level was critically low. That exhibition of inefficiency has remained with me these many years.

OSCAR’s last experience

fortifies me in the view, that thirty-eight years after becoming an independent nation, we do not measure up to the colonialists. We are not exhibiting the expected maturity; we lack the basics!

Even as we mourn the painful loss of our distinguished brother OSCAR, we must search the space for the others who once stood in solidarity with him, those who had strongly declared themselves to be committed to the effective liberation of our people, vowing to carry on the struggle, in the cause of which, some of our heroes of yesteryear had given their all.

But where are those others who are yet in the land of the living? Their seemingly sincere promises have not yet been honoured.

They have now changed their apparel so that they can blend harmoniously with the new “masses”. The farmers now see that they

were indeed con-artists, and those outstretched hands thought to be offering help, were “full of grease”.

There is copious documentation, covering a period of over five decades, testifying to OSCAR’s passion for the healthy development of our people.

When this Vincentian society sets aside the time to search out and evaluate the contributions of its scholars, the name OSCAR ALLEN will stand out prominently, and the ideas he had espoused may well feature significantly in the conditioning of the psyche of that generation, so that the necessary shaking-up of the society, could be effected at last.

Condolences to the members of his family.

They should find consolation in the fact that OSCAR’s was a life that was honourably lived.

May he rest in Peace.

LeRoy Providence August 8, 2017.

Oscar Allen’s quest was to contribute to the building of a society ‘in which peace and justice could thrive, if they were anchored in the respect for the rights of all citizens’.

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 13.

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14. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

News

Maintenance Programme ongoing ST. VINCENT ELECTRICITY SERVICES Limited has a mission to provide quality, reliable electricity supply. In keeping with this mission, an overhaul of a generating unit at the Lowmans Bay Power Plant is taking place.

Overhauls are done to increase the engine’s power output, economy, and durability, and form part of VINLEC’s ongoing maintenance programme.

Staff from the Company’s Generation Department commenced a 36,000-hour overhaul of Unit #3 at the Plant on July 12th. This engine is one of two installed in the second phase of the Lowmans Bay Employee doing work on engine.

Generation Expansion project in 2010.

This overhaul will be carried out over sight at least six weeks before commencement. a six-week period. In this instance, the This is the third 36,000-hour overhaul engine has been disassembled, and all of an engine at the Lowmans Bay site. components that have life hours will be In the environment, it takes renewed. Simultaneously, the base approximately six years for an engine to components are being examined, and get to this phase, based on running measurements are being taken for engines at the Plant for an average of reference on continued life in service.

6000 hours a year.

Preparation for such projects are The Mechanical and Electrical staff quite extensive and begin months in continue to work diligently to achieve advance of the physical work on the the targets set for this period, and engine. For example, all spares are endeavour to complete the overhaul in purchased at least three months in the scheduled time. (Source: VINLEC) advance from the manufacturer and on

V Chance to win Suzuki Swift Sport with My Digicel App

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 15.

News

TELECOMMUNICATION and entertainment provider Digicel on Tuesday, August 8th, launched its My Digicel App promotion, giving both pre and postpaid customers the opportunity to enjoy free and exclusive offers available only in the My Digicel app and a chance to win a grand prize of a Suzuki Swift Sport.

The promotion requires prepaid customers to visit the app every Tuesday and click the “My Digicel TuesdayWeekly Draw” link.

Prepaid customers can increase their chances of winning by activating a Quick Pick 5 or 30 Day Bundle via the My Digicel App on any day of the week; while post-paid customers can participate in the promotion by simply opening the app every Tuesday. Post-paid customers can also increase their chances by paying their bill in full and before the 29th of each month when bills become due.

Additionally, the My Digicel Tuesday component of the promotion will see offers being made available exclusively in the My Digicel app for prepaid customers. On Tuesday, August 8th customers who topped up $10-$20 were given the opportunity to avail

themselves of FREE credit in the My Digicel app, while customers who topped up $20 or more had the opportunity to get even more FREE credit via the App. Digicel SVG Country Manager John Davies said this promotion was strategically designed to help make a dream come through for one lucky customer who will drive away with a Suzuki Swift Sport when the promotion comes to an end in early 2018. Davies said, while the campaign will see one grand prize winner, there are a number of weekly prizes up for grabs, including $100 cash vouchers, 30 Day unlimited access to the network, lunch for 2 at Flow Wine Bar, $300 school supplies vouchers, and $150 grocery vouchers.

The My Digicel app can be downloaded from the App or Play store, and is totally free to use. Digicel customers can use the My Digicel app to conduct a series of transactions, including Quick Pick activations, bill payments, view invoices for the past three months, send credit and view account balances.

A happy complement of Digicel staffers at the launch of the My Digicel App promotion.

The Suzuki Swift Sport – up for grabs in the My Digicel App promotion.

16. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Request for proposals from suitably qualified applicants to prepare; Request for proposals from suitably qualified applicants to conduct a • • •

An analysis of the fuel economy of vehicles imported into St. Vincent and the Grenadines A Draft Policy for the promotion of Energy Efficient and Less Polluting Vehicles in St. Vincent and the Grenadines A Short and Medium Term Action Plan to Transition towards the uptake of more Energy Efficient Vehicles including an Electric Mobility Transition Strategy

Interested applicants are asked to contact The Energy Unit of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Corner of Higginson and Lower Middle Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent.

Telephone: 1 (784) 451-2338 E-mail: Leshan.monrose@undp.org , dandre.jackson@undp.org or visit the Opportunities page at http://energyunit.gov.vc for further information.

Training Needs Assessment of the Renewable Energy Technology (RET) Suppliers and Installers Market in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Interested applicants are asked to contact The Energy Unit of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Corner of Higginson and Lower Middle Street, Kingstown, St. Vincent.

Telephone: 1 (784) 451-2338 E-mail: Leshan.monrose@undp.org , dandre.jackson@undp.org or visit the Opportunities page at http://energyunit.gov.vc for further information.

Deadline for proposals: August 21, 2017

Deadline for proposals: August 21, 2017

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 17.

News

Gonsalves: ÂDesist from asylum applicationsÊ VINCENTIANS ARE AGAIN BEING urged not to submit applications seeking asylum in Canada, as this may go against having the visa requirement reversed.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said in Parliament on July 31, as he presented that Immigration (restriction) Amendment Bill, that he had recently learnt that the Canadian Authorities were reviewing their entire visa policy.

He said that this prompted him to write to the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, a few weeks ago, seeking a reconsideration of the visa requirement in relation to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Back in September 2012, the Canadian government issued a statement that St Vincent and the Grenadines and St Lucia were both having visa restrictions imposed on their citizens.

The reason cited then was that they considered the travel documents from the two countries as unreliable.

However, Gonsalves, then, denied the claims and pointed to the large number of asylum seekers as part of the root cause of the problem.

In Parliament last week, he added that luckily for this country, the government had not implemented a Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), which he said could also affect this country’s chance of having the visa restriction reversed. “… countries had lost that visa waiver because of the Citizenship by

Investment Programme,” the Prime Minister said.

In June this year, it was reported that Antigua and Barbuda suffered a similar fate as SVG and St Lucia, in having visa free travel to the North American country revoked.

And according to that country’s High Commissioner to Canada, Sir Ronald Sanders, the revocation was as a result of that country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Sir Ronald, in an article in the Antigua Observer , expressed the opinion that, even if the Antigua government were to discontinue the CIP, that this would not assist in having the decision reversed.

During the Monday 31st July sitting of Parliament, Gonsalves posited that the visa restriction remained intact, and that even with the restriction, some persons were overstaying their time, and some were still making refugee claims.

“I am urging Vincentians again, you do that, you are unlikely to succeed, but the more applications like that that you make, the more it is a problem for the Canadian authorities to lift the visa requirement,” he said. (DD)

Maria Holder Memorial Trust donates to WPP THE BARBADOSBASED Maria Holder Memorial Trust (MHMT) handed over a cheque of US$500,000 to the World Paediatric Project (WPP) at the Ministry On hand for the handing over were (L-R): Health Disaster of Health.

Coordinator Donna Bascombe, Permanent Secretary in the The Ministry of Health Cuthbert Knights, Project Officer with the donation will MHMT, Jane Armstrong Senior Project Officer with the MHMT, be used to Honorable Minister of Health Luke Browne, Sue Farley Vice support the President of Mission Advancement with the WPP, and Simon work of the Carey Chief Development Officer for the Caribbean with the WPP in WPP. performing lifesaving services in this country.

Hospital. surgeries on children at The total value of The Trust provided beds the Milton Cato Memorial for the recently re-opened MHMT donations to Hospital.

Health in SVG in the past and renovated Mental Children from the 12 months (including the Health Rehabilitation OECS come to SVG for WPP donation) is around Centre; EKG machines, medical attention under ultrasound machines and US$1 million. cooperation agreements.

The Ministry of Health, other similar items for In the past year, The rural hospitals and health Wellness and the Maria Holder Memorial Environment recognises centres to assist with Trust made other with gratitude the childbirth; and all the donations for the purpose equipment for the generosity and service of strengthening the refurbished kitchen at the provided by and through delivery of healthcare the MHMT and the WPP. Milton Cato Memorial

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18. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Health

WPP holds Speech Pathology/Autism Mission BETWEEN 31ST JULY and 3rd August, 2017, the World Pediatric Project held its Speech Therapy/Behavioral Therapy Mission on the compound of the Kingstown Evangelical Church. It was a collaboration between the WPP and the Rotary Club, with the Evangelical Church providing a clinic site.

The clinic was convened to investigate children with speech impediments, developmental delays and autism.

The driving force behind this mission is Miriam Kerr, Speech-Language Pathologist, who volunteers with the WPP. She was accompanied by Amy Swain, Speech-Language Pathologist and Behavioral Therapist with special focus on autistic patients, and Jill Hodge, with experience in the field and specializing in stuttering.

Maxine Burgess, who has experience in speech and behavioral therapies, and who has been volunteering her time at the hospital’s speech therapy clinic, also volunteered with the mission.

The audiology technicians who work originally with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinics, showed additional interest in speech and were allowed to sit in on consultations.

A real need At the commencement of the clinics, Dr. Kerr explained, “We will be seeing children with any sort of speech and language disabilities or disorder and, in addition to that, we’ll be seeing children

who have behavior issues and perhaps are identified as children who have autism.” Some of these cases, she claimed, may present with issues like cerebral palsy, or any kind of developmental delays.

This WPP mission services an urgent need in St. Vincent and the Amy Swain engages a child in the Grenadines. Dr. presence of the child’s parent.

Miriam Kerr, Speech-Language Pathologist, explains the Mischa DuncanAdams, Pediatric issues to a parent. about forty-five Neurologist at the Milton Cato Memorial minutes’ maximum Hospital, described the local situation time. developed, what the hospital offers could thus: “St. Vincent and the Grenadines is However, the number of children go a long way in preparing children for a place where we have lots of persons requiring the services of a speechthese yearly missions of the World who actually suffer from autism or have language pathologist and behavioral Pediatric Project. She advises parents speech problems, but we don’t have a therapist far exceeds the numbers that and other interested individuals to, “visit speech nor behavior therapist in the the WPP mission was able to work with. the neurology clinic at the hospital and country. Therefore, these missions are It was noted that persons associated get an evaluation, then a referral to the very important because the individuals with children who require investigation WPP clinic.” who are affected and their families could into suspect speech and behavior Both Dr. Duncan-Adams and Miriam get the aid that they need, and patterns, are not aware that the Kerr were in unison in recognizing that awareness of this need could be preliminary processes can be done at the a greater awareness about speech and highlighted through these clinic Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. developmental delays is necessary. activities.”

Dr. Duncan Adams remains convinced Included in this mission was a halfThe clinic saw over seventy-five that although there is no behavioral day conference on autism, giving children during the four days. There therapist in St. Vincent and the interested persons a basic understanding were three stations, with each Grenadines and the area of that allows for the acceptance of these pathologist seeing about eight persons developmental pediatrics is not very individuals. per day. A consultation session lasted

HIV/AIDS Testing Day, Carnival and consciousness care; and of those treated, to have 90% virally suppressed,” she said, adding, “The chances of transmitting the virus to someone else is lessened if the HIV/AIDS case is virally suppressed.“

recording/performing artiste Reon ‘Madzart’ Primus, in producing a series of jingles and other audio and video awareness building material.

The test is simple and free

In an exclusive demonstration of how simple the test is, Sis. Roache As for the intensified volunteered to be tested openly, effort during carnival, Sis. while the tester at the National Roache put it this way: AIDS Secretariat, Ms. Jovita “Carnival is the season Williams, explained to THE HIV/AIDS testing here was when people tend to let loose, VINCENTIAN how the test is not confined to a single day. behave wild, and drink a lot of done.

Clinics were conducted across alcohol. Alcohol can distort “It is simple: when the client the country beginning on June people’s judgment and lead comes in, a questionnaire is 27 and climaxed on June 30. them to do what they won’t filled out to ascertain their risk In addition to the tests normally do.” factors for the disease, after conducted on June 30 — In an effort to encourage which the tester proceeds to do Regional HIV Testing Day safeguard actions during the pre-counseling. Before the test Sister Ferosa Roache being tested.

(RTD) - a display and heightened carnival period, Sis. begins, the testing strip is information booth was mounted Roache explained her prepared by coding it with the Inset: The test involves a blood sample taken from a finger. at the main Scotiabank branch, organization was “at all the client’s special ID, then Kingstown. Testing was done at major shows distributing exposing the area where the THE 2017 CARNIVAL day, August 30, which also the National AIDS Secretariat condoms…. we’ve even engaged drop of blood will be placed. celebrations, having swung into marked the start of the eleven and at the Family Planning in some health education The test begins with the full gear with the Friday, 30th days of Vincy Mas 2017.

Unit. sessions, teaching persons how sterilizing then pricking of a June staging of the National The region-wide activity is a Sis. Ferosa Roache, Director to use the condoms correctly…. finger. A pipette is used to Calypso semi-finals competition, collaboration between PANCAP, of the National Aids Secretariat and we were on the road collect the blood and transfer it the National AIDS Secretariat, Caribbean Broadcasting Media, (NAS), explained the main goal Carnival Monday and Tuesday.” onto the testing strip. A trace in partnership with Scotiabank Scotiabank and the National of testing day as: getting as Added to the on the ground buffer is added to the blood on SVG, was also in full gear with HIV/AIDS programmes across many persons tested as possible effort was the ‘Catch the Vibe, the strip and that mixture is left HIV/AIDS testing throughout the region, and has been in to meet the 90/90 UN target.

Not the Virus’ campaign, to manifest a result after fifteen St. Vincent and the Grenadines, effect for the past ten years.

“This target seeks to have 90% created by Mrs. Azonia Vanloo- minutes. Positive and negative in what has been set aside as of the total population knowing Morris, Assistant to the Director results show up as lines across Of Regional HIV/AIDS Testing Regional HIV Testing Day their HIV status; of that 90%, to at the NAS. the strip. Both positive and (RTD) was once again, held here Day have 90% of positive cases As part of this effort, the negative results would end in on the regionally designated linked and on treatment and NAS partnered with local soca post-counseling episodes.”

Of Carnival

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 19.

News

Mental Illness concerns highlighted

VINCENTIAN YOUTH are now more aware of mental health issues.

This as a result of their involvement during the month of July, in sessions focusing on mental health.

The month of activity was hosted by The Mind Matters SVG campaign, and was held under the theme, ‘Understanding mental health and mental illness’.

The sessions were held at SVG Save the Children Fund (Vinsave), Streams of Power Church (Sion Hill), and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard Service (Calliqua).

In the afternoon, adults learned exercise techniques that help to manage stress, anxiety and depression at Constant Fitness SVG location of the Grenadine House parking lot.

In addition to July’s sessions, on Friday 4th August, 2017, children of the Urban Youth Arts and Sports Summer Programme and Cathedral of the Assumption Children’s Summer Camp showcased how sports and art can be used to maintain/improve one’s mental health.

The Mind Matters SVG was founded in

2016 by teacher Ms. Jodie Dennie, after increased violent acts involving persons with a history of mental illness occurred on the island. It is a non—profit campaign supporting mental health awareness of Vincentians.

“The purpose of this campaign is to enable the Vincentian audience, ranging from ages 10 to 30 years, to have a better understanding of mental illnesses, how they can be affected, and know precautions/steps to take to avoid mental illnesses and help those affected,” said` Dennie.

The Mind Matters

BCEF awards six THE 2017 SCHOLARSHIP and Bursary recipients of the Basil Charles Educational Foundation (BCEF) were announced on August 2.

Four scholarships valued at EC$1,600 were awarded to Zenol Gaymes of Barrouallie, Earllando Henry Mesopotamia, Sade Regisford — L-R: Karen Nero, Basil Charles, Treavern Peniston, Greiggs, and Earllando Henry and Michel De Vibraye (contributor to Karissa Moses fund). Front L-R: Sade Regisford, Zenol Gaymes, Karissa Pembroke.

Moses and Naima Simmons.

Also two students, Treavern Peniston of Campden Park and Naima corporate donors.

“Many of our recipients from the Simmons from Bequia, each received a BCEF have gone on to live successful bursary of $600. lives, with our first recipient, Rashbert According to Charles, all awardees Humphrey, who now works for the would receive the specified payment Caribbean Development Bank (CDB),” during the five year duration at Charles said. secondary school.

He further explained that the Early He also explained that the six Childhood Programme got underway students joined the 26 currently in the secondary school programme, and over back in 2010, in collaboration with the 220 students who have benefitted from Ministries of National Mobilization and Education. the BCEF since its inception in 1995.

Under this programme, 17 preThe Foundation is funded through schools, comprising some 500 children, the proceeds from the Annual have benefitted from nutritional Mustique Blues Festival, sale of CD (meals) support, training for teachers from the Blues Festivals, and and parents, and assistance in minor contributions from private and repairs to schools.

Sport was emphasized as playing an important part in maintaining mental stability.

This year’s activities were supported by medical students from the American Students showcased their understanding of mental health University of issues through artistic expression.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines SVG campaign was The Campaign has the and fitness trainer, Mr. launched in April 7th approval of the Chief Gary Constantine.

2017 on World Health Medical Officer of the The Mind Matters Day. Ministry of Health.

SVG Campaign.

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20. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Advice

A smelly affair her. It was so embarrassing for me. I’m I RECENTLY MET this girl at the stage now where I am not interested in and had about three dates with her. It was on going out with her again.

She is looking for a the second date that I steady relationship, but detected she has a with her perspiration, I serious perspiration can’t see it happening. problem. She wore an To be honest, she armpit dress to the seems ok otherwise, function we attended and seems to be on the and I almost died from same level as I am, but the smell coming from

Should I break the ice?

Dear George,

Dear George,

it’s the smell that’s killing me. I don’t want to hurt her feelings by telling her, but I’m no longer interested in being friends.

I think I want to ease myself out of this one, but I don’t want to appear heartless.

Want out Dear Want out,

be corrected, and she will even be grateful to you for helping her to solve it.

It would be folly to let the possible girl of your dreams go because of her foul smell. Make an attempt to remedy the situation, and if at the end of the day it’s more than you can handle, then be honest with her and let her know.

What’s worse than not telling her the George truth about her perspiration problem, is stringing her along and leading her to believe there is no issue. This is a problem that can

I am a thirty-year-old virgin and I am very concerned that I won’t get to find my soulmate.

I have tried to keep relationships but have been continually turned off. All that the men are after is what I’m not prepared to give up. I have always taken the stand of no sex before marriage, but I’m now thinking about relaxing my stringent rule.

I want to know what it feels like to be taken by a man. Is it so wrong to take that plunge, even though that man may not turn out to be my husband?

All of my girlfriends are experienced, and I do want to be able to identify with them. My body is calling for this, George, and I’m ready to answer that call.

Another thing is my friends are telling me that men nowadays do not want

women who do not have sexual experience. Is there any truth in that?

Confuse and impatient Dear Confuse and impatient, It would be a shame after resisting having sex because of your principled stance of no sex before marriage, to embrace erroneous information from your friends and give in to peer pressure.

Who says that all the men of today have no interest in meeting and marrying virgins? Be proud of yourself for waiting for as long as you have, and do not feel pressured to throw in the towel just yet.

Your treasured package could be just one year, month, week, day or even a moment away. Patience is still a virtue.

George

Expensive to maintain saving to build or purchase a house, but now that dream is fading I AM UNDER TREMENDOUS pressure in the distance. I still from my girlfriend. Since want to get my dream house and achieve some meeting her, I cannot level of financial save a penny. She told independence, but my me from day one that I girlfriend is in the way of won’t be able to afford her, but we both laughed that. I think I need some advice. that off as a joke. I now see that she is high Tangled bad maintenance.

She made me sell my Dear Tangled bad, not so old car and purchase a new one.

You seem to have lost Almost every week, she your way since meeting insists on getting a new this friend of yours. She hairstyle, pedicure and manicure. She shops for was honest and was able to see that her priorities clothes online with my credit card, and actually were met. You, on the maxed it out once before. other hand, have When I met her, I was rearranged and sacrificed your life to

Dear George,

your own peril and unhappiness.

You can get that dream house and achieve financial independence, only if you wise up and let your friend finance her own lifestyle. I would take it a step further to suggest that any Miss Right would not be so self-centered as to run you into the financial doldrums, by ignoring the life goals you have set for yourself.

It is you who must take control of your life and destiny, and you can begin by dating someone you can afford and who understands the “we” concept.

George

Leisure

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Do something constructive outside. Stick to travel or do things in conjunction with groups. Lovers will be less than accommodating, and decisions regarding personal direction a necessity. You can make financial gains if you are prepared to take a risk.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Deep discussions may only lead to friction. You need to distance yourself from the situation for a little while first. Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives.

You may want to get a little extra rest. You are prone to infections and fevers.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) You can persuade even the toughest opponents to think your way. Instant romance could be yours if you go out with friends. Deception is probable if you don't use discrimination. Obstacles may stand in your way where career and success are concerned.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. Your health may suffer if you don't control your present situation. One sided attractions are likely. In-laws may cause difficulties. Travel should be considered.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will attract potential lovers, but be sure that they're unattached. Consider selling your homemade crafts at the flea market. Large organizations may try to talk you out of your hard-earned cash. One sided attractions are likely.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Deception may cause disputes you can do without. Residential changes, renovations, or moves are likely to disrupt your routine. You can meet someone who will become very dear to you if you get out and socialize. Your bankbook will suffer and your restrictions will put a damper on your relationship.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Try not to hesitate; act on your initial instincts.

Disputes on the home front may be hard to avoid.

Relationships will become stronger. Try to have patience and refrain from being judgmental.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can expect to experience delays or additional red tape if you deal with institutions. Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible. Older family members may try to make demands that are impossible for you to handle. Don't beat around the bush; state your case in plain and simple terms.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can make new connections through friends or relatives. You need to be active and spend time with friends you enjoy. A better diet, exercise, or a change to a relaxed atmosphere could be ways to soothe your nerves. Talk to superiors about problems that you feel are getting out of hand.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Entertain in your home and make aesthetic enhancements that will please those who reside with you. You may not want to spend time around family or your home. Stubborn about making changes around your home. If you can't get away, make plans to do something special with friends or relatives.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) Do a little investigating if there is someone at work you don't trust. Don't be too hard on yourself. Opportunities will come through behind the scenes activities. It's time to make professional changes.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) You can expect to have a problem with your lover. Don't put off the things that they have asked you to do. Make creative changes to your living quarters. You're in the mood to spend money. You can raise your standard of living if you pick up some freelance work on the side.

ACROSS 1. Donkey cry 5. Language communication 11. River in central Switzerland 12. Capital of Zimbabwe 13. Matures 14. Military catapult 15. Flogging 17. Laboratory 18. Frozen water 19. Second letter of the Greek alphabet 20. Sauce 23. East Indian pepper plant 24. Molten rock 25. Not (prefix) 26. Very skilled person 27. Attains 31. Steep-walled mountain basin 33. Musical instrument 34. Flowed out 35. Otherwise 36. Stable 37. Grass

DOWN 1. False god 2. Hindu music 3. Greek god of war 4. Orthodox Jewish school 5. Directed a light 6. Sharp pain 7. Period of history 8. Young eagle 9. Bring into being 10. Consisting of herbs 16. Very cold

19. Member of Parliament 20. Gentle slope 21. Bigot 22. Antipathy 23. Fur scarf 25. Destitute

LAST WEEK’s SOLUTION

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THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 21.

27. Regretted 28. Robust 29. Scottish Gaelic 30. Raced 32. As being

V ÂHadrickÊ: A Rastafarian Sage passes on 22. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Tributes

individual who chose more often than not, to THE RASTAFARIAN be alone — but not community, and by necessarily lonely — extension St. Vincent and ‘Hadrick’ was a sage in the Grenadines, have lost his own right — taking one of their unsung time to mentor the heroes, Ronald Augustus younger generation in Lynch, popularly known as the ways of ‘Hadrick’.

Rastafarianism.

During the golden era At times, he delved of the 1970s, ‘Hadrick’ into mysticism and rose to prominence as philosophy, always one of this country’s top looking to relate what guitarists, but somehow seemed so abstract, to managed to avoid, by how they could assist in choice, the musical his approach to life. limelight.

Little wonder, therefore, Notwithstanding, he that he also engrossed found the time to share himself in reading and his wealth of knowledge understanding other of different musical religions, which may well genres with those who have accounted for him would avail themselves not ever adhering to of his expertise. what could be described ‘Hadrick’ was also as conventional or versed in the use of traditional religious herbs for remedies for thought and practices. ailments and even for But even as he general everyday immersed himself in nonnutritional use. He left traditional thoughts and this legacy among his philosophies and even Rastafarian brethren and lifestyle, he was never sistren. prone to create animosity An unassuming by: PATMOS RICHARDS

with those whose views he did not share. In fact, he would exude a positive, friendly smile that so often attracted even his detractors to his humble personality.

In short, though, it was the Rastafarian faith in which he found meaning to his own life.

And as creative as he was with the six strings of the guitar, ‘Hadrick’ was equally adept as a sculptor. His work adorns the homes of many, and he was known to be a vocal and ardent advocate for the harnessing of local material that would engender vibrant local creative industries. He also held firm to the collective approach, which he described as the only sure way of ensuring benefits to the widest possible crosssection of a nation.

And within it all, he believed in the dignity and worth of the Black

man. Rastafari was the epitome of expression of the Black Caribbean man, as far as he was concerned, and he longed for true unity of the faith so as to ensure that the Rastafarian community could soar to its highest potential.

‘Hadrick’ died at the relatively young age of 66, but to those who engaged him, he was knowledgeable beyond those years.

He was devoted to his soul mate — a Rastafarian vendor — and I know she would miss his physical presence.

I too, am thankful to ‘Hadrick’ for his advice on what foods I should consume and what I should avoid.

He was laid to rest on August 8, 2017, but I feel assured that he now rests well in his eternal realm.

Keep well, my Brother, until we meet again.

I remember Oscar MR. EDITOR, I recall my first encounter with Bro Oscar Allen as one which you facilitated.

Young, full of vigor and thoughts about overthrowing the establishment, (after all, it was the time of the early 1970s - it was you who invited me to a what you called a study session with a group known as the Ecumenical Study Group (ESG).

I recall meeting persons like Jackson Farrell, Lemuel Ottley, Ellsworth John, and many others whom I recognized by face but had never really interacted with.

If I remember well, you, Mr. Editor, were the Chairman of the session held at Charles Verbeke Centre on that Saturday

afternoon. You introduced a gentleman by the name of Oscar Allen as the person who would lead the study session. I remember well that he had a beard, not much hair on his crown, and he wore a simple dashiki.

What a shock I got when I realized that the day’s study was going to be centred or inspired by a reading from the Gospel!! My Black Power influence had taught me to doubt this white man religious thing. I was ready to get up and leave.

What transpired after that was an eye-opener.

Never before had I seen the Good Word in that way — how you could relate it to daily social encounters — and never had I encountered

someone like Oscar Allen who it seemed, was able to get every man jack at that session to express their thoughts, regardless of how simple they were. He opened for me a whole new appreciation of the Gospels and how to appreciate what others had to say.

And at the end of the session, Oscar did a recap and we came away with a unified position on a social problem that affected us as young people.

That experience stuck with me as I got involved in other groups — political groups as well.

OSACR ALLEN, in one meeting, had taught me to temper myself and to search for knowledge and enlightenment in the strangest of places.

It was that very first encounter with Oscar that taught me to respect the opinions of us… how I could be friends with those who did not necessarily share in what I believed.

I would encounter Oscar through the years as I attended — irregularly — other sessions with the ESG. When I look back on my own life, I realise that those who have been of most help to me, have been those who have taught me to look deep into myself and be true to myself. Oscar was one of those who taught me that.

I mourn his loss, but would forever thank him for the influence he had on my life.

Garnet, NY

Ronald ‘Hadrick’ Lynch

In Memory of Hazell Edwards IN MEMORY OF HAZELL EDWARDS A dear friend who died recently in Trinidad NB: Consider it a blessing to see your loved one die because some never get to say last goodbye.

Petite, intelligent, possessing a strong will A potential debate would give her a thrill.

Few could get the better of her in an argument As to have the last word was always her intent.

Not the kind of person to attract an enemy The life she lived was one of simplicity.

Reliable, patient, always ready to help Of this no one was more aware than myself.

Sometimes she was my hands sometimes my feet Whatever the need, she was a friend indeed.

I have no doubt that she lived for the Lord As she agonized for those who knew not His word.

In her last days of illness, suffering and pain She had the assurance her life was not in vain.

To her relatives and friends who mourn her loss My condolence, be blessed, she has borne her cross.

MAY SHE REST IN PEACE. ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold your God will come.” Isaiah 35:4) Monica Baisden

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 23.

Two sporting facilities set for expansion/ upgrade THE NATIONAL TENNIS CENTRE at Villa is set to have two additional courts, and the Arnos Vale Playing Field is earmarked to be lit.

Speaking at a press conference last Thursday at the Ministry of Tourism, President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis

Association (SVGTA)Brian Nash outlined the expansion to be done at the National Tennis Centre.

“We have a bit of contraction to cause an expansion …(so) we are undergoing an expansion of the facility in conjunction with the College (St Vincent and

the Grenadines Community College).

There are two Basketball courts at the College, and we are in the process of converting them into multi —purpose courts that can facilitate, among other things, Tennis.” Nash confirmed.

Nash said the additional courts were

pre-requisites for hosting both the Under-14 and Under-18 tournaments of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior tennis circuit.

“Ideally, to host the ITF - the Under-18 and Under-14 - you will need at least eight courts, two of which will be practise courts …This year, the Under-14 tournament has been suspended until next

Lennox John Cricket Academy intake outfitted THE 20 MEMBERS of the first intake of the Lennox John Cricket Academy have been outfitted, thanks to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association Inc. and Cricket West Indies.

Last Saturday, those Academy members who were on island, were presented with their kits, which included training uniforms, playing uniforms and footwear.

Speaking at the handing over, Cleton Burnett, who heads the Academy, told the players, parents and guardians, that it is an investment in the future of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ cricket.

“We are spending at least five thousand dollars per month on the Academy,” Burnett revealed. This cost, according to Burnett, includes the coaches’ stipend.

Additionally, he outlined, “Each person gets $15 per week (for transportation)… When they come they get fruits at the beginning and a snack before they leave.”

Burnett noted that with such provisions made, the players, parents and guardians, except in extreme, unforeseen circumstances, have no excuse for not being present each Saturday at the Arnos Vale Playing

Field, or wherever the day’s activities take place.

The provision of players and coaches’ apparel was sourced through assistance from Cricket West Indies, with the SVGCA Inc. responsible for purchasing the footwear and a set of Cricket gear.

The composition of the first intake includes nine players who have gone on to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Under-15 level, with two advancing to the Windwards team.

Also, two members of the Academy have made it to the Windwards Under- 17 and another

Some members of the Lennox John Cricket Academy displaying their attire.

Head of the Lennox John Cricket AcademyCleton Burnett. five on the Windwards Under-19.

Burnett is hopeful that future senior St Vincent and the Grenadines, Windwards and West Indies players would emerge.

The Academy was launched in March of this year, and named in honour of long —standing cricket administrator Lennox John.

The creation of the Cricket Academy is seen as the biggest achievement of the Shallow led executive of the SVGCA. The Lennox John Cricket Academy coaching staff is comprised of Irvin Warrican — head coach, along with assistant coaches- Bertram Stapleton, Samantha Lynch and Kenroy Martin.

President of the SVGTABrian Nash.

Minister of Tourism, Sports and Culture - Hon. Cecil Mc Kie.

Vale One has become “priority to the government.”

He said that this is in order to position for St Vincent and the Grenadines to be able to host regional and international sporting fixtures.

“More and more we see those games being hosted in the night… So if we are going to put up Arnos Vale Playing Field our hands and put ourselves on offer to host Some light was shed regional and on proposed international fixtures, I developments at the think we have to be Arnos Vale Playing competitive, and the only Field, this country’s way to be competitive is premier sporting facility. to have that facility lit,” Minister of Tourism, Mc Kie affirmed.

Sports and Culture Hon The National Tennis Ces Mc Kie related, “As Centre, financed by the recent as two and a half Government of China on weeks ago, we would Taiwan, was a gift to the have held discussion government and people with a possible supplier of St Vincent and the of lights and we got a Grenadines, and was fair idea of what would opened in 2000. be required to light The Arnos Vale Arnos Vale One, that is Playing Field, … Therefore, we will commissioned in 1972, have to go through the went through its most requirements of tender, recent upgrade in providing the 2006/2007, ahead of the specifications.”

Caribbean hosting Mc Kie reiterated that Cricket World Cup in the lighting of Arnos 2007.

year.” Nash informed.

When the SVGTA hosted the Under-14s last year, the Tennis facilities at the Buccament Bay Resorts were engaged.

But with that entity closed, and given the inadequacy of the National Tennis Centre, the Under-14s had to be forgone this year.

SVGCA Zonal U15 To Bowl Off HEIGHTENED by the launch of the Lennox John Cricket Academy, the SVG Cricket Association (SVGCA) is continuing the momentum currently prevailing in youth cricket endeavours here.

Beginning August 14, the SVGCA will commence a National Zonal Under-15 Cricket Tournament.

The Tournament will run until August 26th, with the finals set for the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Played as a round robin 40-over per side format, the Tournament will involve six (zonal) teams North Windward, Central Windward, St George/South Windward, Marriaqua, Kingstown and North Leeward. The top two teams will contest the finals.

Matches are slated for the London, Park Hill, Stubbs, Arnos Vale, Sion Hill and Petit Bordel playing fields.

On completion of the Tournament, 30 players will be selected to a training squad for possible selection to the National Under-15 team to represent this country in the Windward Islands Under-15 tournament, scheduled for SVG in December 2017.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

24. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

SVG U- 17 female footballers bow out of qualifiers

out winless.

Staged at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, last week, the Vincentians were defeated by St Kitts and Nevis 31 and by eventual group winnersJamaica, 7-0.

In the opening salvo, the Kittitian lasses opened their account in the 25th minute through Jasonnia Williams.

An own goal one minute later extended the visitors’ lead.

Jerencia Jeffers in the SVG’s goalkeeper- Samonique 50th minute made Laborde positions herself to it three- nil to St catch the ball in last Sunday’s match versus Jamaica. Kitanna Kitts and Nevis.

St Vincent and Richards no.10 and and Dionte the Grenadines, Delpesche keep close eyes on who enjoyed some proceedings. good passages of HOST ST VINCENT and the dominance in the second Grenadines Under-17 half, got a consolation, Female footballers, when Sonja Mc Kie despite some signs of netted from close range technical abilities, were in the 86th minute. not good enough to Then on Sunday, advance from Group E of Jamaica’s superiority the Caribbean Football was shown over their St Union (CFU) zone of the Vincent and the CONCACAF zone, bowed Grenadines counterparts.

Rochell Gray (8th minute and 53rd minute), Jaden Roberts (21st minute), Sydoney Clarke (penalty 44th minute), Jody Brown (penalty 64th minute), Monique Perrier (72nd) and Davia Richards (88th minute) got the

goals for Jamaica.

On Friday, Jamaica swamped St Kitts and Nevis, 10-0. Giselle Washington registered goals in the 5th and 22nd minutes; Jody Brown (7th), Monique Perrier (37th and 41st minutes), Rochell Gray

(54th and 90th minute); Christina Salmon (76th and 79th) and Jaden Roberts (90th minutes), got the more than comfortable win for Jamaica.

The Jamaicans, along with the other four Group winners, head to

the final stage of qualification and join hosts Haiti for the final round to be held from16th to 22nd October. In the final round, the six teams will be drawn into two groups of three.

Humble Lions One take Marriaqua Football title again

Solomon and Kewon Clarke and the other from Olanzo Bute.

Replying for Marriaqua Future Stars were Adamo Johnson and Shem Dascent.

Under20s best goal keeper Humble Lions One, a look alike of awardee – Anthony Hazell Humble Lions System 3 Sports Academy premier accepts his award from Otashie division outfit, also took the knock Spring.

HUMBLE LIONS ONE, last out title, to complete the double.

Sunday afternoon at the Cane goal keeper and Brad Richards, Taking the third place in the End Playing Field, clubbed the best midfielder.

Premier Division was Cane End Marriaqua Future Stars 5-2, to Capturing the best defender Gunners. win again the Premier Division award was Marriaqua Future Humble Lions One gained title of the National Lotteries Stars’ Kenton Peters, with Omar $2500; Marriaqua Future Stars Authority/ FLOW/ Thomas of Cane End Gunners, the $1500 and Cane End Gunners Hairoun/COMPUTEC/Kirk leading goal scorer with 15 goals. $1000.

DaSilva/RUFF-I Sound System Meanwhile, Under-15 Joining Humble Lions One as Marriaqua Football Competition. league winners were SV United — champions- SV United cashed in Crafting Humble Lions One’s Under-15 champions and Richland on two of the awards. Uruel victory were braces from Azhino Matthias was named best Park Pride and Joy- Under-20 defender and Travis Thompsonwinners. Pride and Joy best midfielder. pocketed $600.

Completing the awardees in Docking second in the Under-15 was Greiggs and that age group were Richland Park Pride and Joy’s Jemar third — Richland Park Williams- best goal keeper and the Pride and Joy. Humble PROVIDENCE most goals recipient was Rackeem Lions Two was second in ELECTRONIC Delpesche of Greiggs, who netted the Under-20, and third Solutions North 12 goals. was Marriaqua Future Leeward were And, in the Under-20 division, Stars. The second and crowned new Pride and Joy’s pair of Anthony third place teams, Providence Electronic champions of the Hazell — best goal keeper and received $ 300 and $200, Solutions North Leeward – 2017 respectively.

National Lotteries Pamenos Browne- best defender, Champions of National First Authority First were two stand outs.

Division cricket in SVG. Division Cricket here, Humble Lions Two’s Erel Awards after a convincing 7Hector, claimed the best Elron Lewis Shamon Hooper (left) Stubbs Playing Field last wicket victory over was also Topping the awards list midfielder accolade , while there and Ronique Laborde of weekend.

Rudy’s Electrical was a tie for most goals. Sharing was national player — among the North leeward were Not for the first time, ASCO Azhino Solomon of Unique Warriors, in the award were Benjamin runs for the unbeaten on 59 and 39 failed to pass 50 in an innings Humble Lions One, who the final played at the champions, Williams of Humble Lions Two respectively. when they closed at 33 in their was named Most Valuable and Raheim Westfield of Humble Sion Hill Playing hitting 54. first knock at the crease, Field on the weekend.

Player of the tournament. Lions Two, who both had five Daroius Martin, 4 for 17 and Rudy’s Electrical 59, Elron Lewis had 54, and Humble Lions One also goals.

Kenneth Dember. 4 for 12, Unique Warriors chose to bat Sixteen teams contested the Ronique La Borde 36 not out. gathered two other awards first and posted a painstaking Joseph Medford was the most doing the damage for the in the Premier Division, as premier division, with five each in lawmen.

184 off 46-overs. Jerlani Neil- successful bowler with 2 for Jovan Lynch was the best the Under-15 and Under-20.

Andrew Thomas then took top scored with 47, the in form 36.

William ‘BILL’ Edwards 40, Having triumphed over all to dismantling whatever bowling plan ASCO had and and Leon Samuel 30. Ronique comers in this year’s First cracked 147 off`127 balls, to La Borde, Beneton Stapleton, Division battle, Providence lead Police Two to 252 for 5 in Winston Samuel and Javon Electronic has gained 37.2. overs.

Samuel each took two wickets automatic promotion to ASCO fared just that bit for 19, 21, 26 and 44 runs the 2018 National Lotteries better and were 78 for 9 for respectively.

Authority Premier Division.

17.4 overs when the game was Providence Electronic called. Kenvil Sam made 2, Solutions North Leeward Premier Division and Dember returned another replied briskly and with much purpose, and raced to victory, ASCO suffered yet another 4 for 45 and Sylvan Spencer 4 Best defender in the Premier MVP of the League – Azhino for 8. closing on 187 for 3 off 25.3heavy defeat in the NLA Division – Kenton Peters of Solomon (left) receives his overs; Shamon Hooper led the Premier Division, this time at Marriaqua Future Stars is prize from First VP of the I.B.A.ALLEN runs chase with an unbeaten the hands of Police Two, at the awarded by Otashie Spring. SVGFF- Otashie Spring.

North Leeward: New First Division Cricket Champions

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 25.

Sports

Off field frenzy PROVIDENCE ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS North Leeward has the choice of playing Premier Division cricket next season. That is by virtue of their victory in the final of the First Division played last Sunday at Sion Hill. They did so with a seven-wicket victory over Rudy’s Electrical Unique Warriors.

It was a 50 over affair, so to what extent North Leeward will have been prepared for two days of cricket on their elevation is to be seen.

Unique Warriors put up 184, and given the appetite of the average North Leeward batsman, that ought not to have posed any problems. But worse has happened in cricket, so no one was taking anything for granted.

Elron Lewis and his opening partner Vidal Edwards signalled their intention early, and Lewis, batting with a degree of freedom, set a framework.

He lost Edwards, went for 62 when he might have harboured visions of a century.

Skipper Michael Joseph suffered along the way, but the Peto Stars duo of Shamon Hooper and Ronique Laborde saw the team, to victory.

The Premier Division has a different orientation.

How well the team adjust is to be seen.

The demands of a labour of love and means of survival have some impact on the human outlook.

Congratulations to the North Leeward entourage on their victory. Unique Warriors must be commended. In the final, anything could have happened, and fingers would have been pointed at North Leeward if the result was different.

It turned into a strange burst of events for me to meet who is my brother’s grandson. I missed the Unique Warriors’ innings. Arrival at the ground was during the innings break. I wandered around the area trying to find my bearings.

Having glanced at an unattended scoreboard, I took it upon myself to carry out the duty. I inquired as to the score and went into operation.

Some incidents exposed aspects of human reaction. If one is not alert, you can be at odds with others. You might be surprised to the extent to which persons are not in tuned with the rudiments of the game. Yet they will take up the most extreme argument.

Finding my brother’s grandson came as a revelation to me. People always say that we are living in a small world.

Here was I bumping into a close blood relative unawares. There is something livid about cricket.

They say it’s a game of glorious uncertainties, and some pundits compare it to life itself.

There are lessons to be learnt from being in and around cricket. The discovery of my relative in such circumstances is perhaps more valuable than any shot produced in that match, or any delivery of outstanding pieces of fielding.

Over 45 years ago, I was at the Arnos Vale Playing Field doing duties at the scoreboard in the historic match Windwards versus New Zealand.

That match was affected by rain, and with the first two days nearly washed out, the third day was used for a limited overs game.

It is easy for one from the Anthony generation to be lost at a cricket match or any sporting event for that matter. It happened to me and my brothers, and that youngster’s father must have travelled the same road. His gravitation along that route is hereditary.

That afternoon was shared with the Vincentian Under 17 Girls taking on Jamaica at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. The Jamaicans won 7: 0. They were better equipped. The Vincentians showed glimpses of potential. They have to put enough patches of those dazzling aspects long enough to achieve a genuine spark.

Coaches will have to rensure that the onus is not on them to have to carry out last minute preparations. Long term and a futuristic outlook must be part of the arrangements.

Stanley Academy concludes TT Tournament

Akeil DeRoche 13/15, 11/9, 7/11, 12/10, 11/9.

Caleb Howard then teamed up with DeRoche to beat Dureese Nelson and Juwan Howard 12/10, 11/8 to capture the Doubles title.

According to Sean Stanley, Director of the Academy, the tournament was part of ongoing training for the players who have been selected to represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Caribbean Pre-cadets Championships in Jamaica, 20th to 26th August 2017.

Those players selected are: Michel Creese, Caleb Michel Creese won the Under-13 title.

Howard, Kristian Christopher and the lone female, Leah Cumberbatch.

The team is expected to leave on the 19th August.

Meanwhile, the Sean Stanley Table Tennis Juwan Howard won the UndeAcademy will play host to an 15 title.

18-member contingent of MICHEL CREESE, JUWAN HOWARD, youth Table Tennis players Celeb Howard and Akeil Deroche from Barbados, from 11th- to shared the victory spoils as a one25th August 2017. day tournament hosted by the Sean The contingent comprises Stanley Table Tennis Academy players ranging from of 9 to concluded last weekend, at the 14 years old, and are West St. George Secondary School. accompanied by three adults, Creese beat Caleb Celeb Howard and Akeil DeRoche including former Caribbean Howard 11/8, 6/11, 11/7, 8/11, Champion Kevin Farley. won the Doubles category.

11/9 to capture the Under-13 The Barbadians are various schools here. title. expected to engage in a series of Juwan Howard took the Under- matches against students from I.B.A.ALLEN 15 category when he defeated

Bailey, Durrant top Sunday morning Hill Sprint ZEFAL BAILEY WAS FIRST in the Elite category and Peter Durrant in the Masters, when the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union staged a Hill Sprint last Sunday morning.

Bailey, in a time of 6 minutes 26.32 seconds, was first to finish the 1.8 miles event from outside the St Vincent Brewery compound in Campden Park, to Leroy Constantine.

Lowmans Hill.

Others to make Second to him was Enroy Lewis in 6 minutes 33. 29 seconds, with it through to the Samuel Lyttle completing the top finish were Lucky three in 7 minutes 30.52 seconds. Antrobus - sixth in 8 minutes 34.38 In the Masters’ segment, seconds; Jerel Durrant’s winning time was 7 Peter Durrant.

Browne - eighth minutes 42.48 seconds. Durrant (10 minutes 54.34 was also fourth overall.

Following Durrant to the end of seconds) and Leroy Constantine the race for the Masters was Steve was ninth in 12 minutes 10.23 seconds.

Ollivierre in 8 minutes 13.52 The 66 year-old Constantine, a seconds, who was fifth overall. veteran cyclist of over fifty years, And, rounding off the masters’ said that he used the cycling event podium was Martin Bollers - 10 to keep fit as he still loves the minutes 54.34 seconds. Bollers sport. was seventh overall.

President of the SVG Cycling

Zefal Bailey.

Union Trevor Bailey disclosed that the national cycling body will, in the upcoming months, host a series of hill sprints.

He said the Leeward side of the island is the preferred choice for the hill sprints , because of the “better roads.”

V

26. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. THE VINCENTIAN

Sports

Annual cricket Camp ends today

Participants in the 2017 Kiddy Cricket Summer Camp.

FOLLOWING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL completion of the annual Skills Festivals and Quiz the SVGCA, the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme, in collaboration with Cricket West Indies and the SVG Cricket Association, will conclude its Annual Summer Camp today, Friday 11th August.

The Summer Camp, which began on Monday 7th, involved some sixty primary school students between the ages of eight and twelve 12 years , who would have impressed the coaches

during the preliminary rounds of the programmes.

The Camp featured both in-house and skills sessions.

In-house sessions exposed the students to areas such as injury prevention, nutrition, personal hygiene, the laws of the game, and the use of illegal substances in sports.

The skills session focused on bowling action, fielding, wicket keeping, running between the wickets, and catching.

The participants also had the opportunity to showcased their refined skills through a number of ‘mini’ matches.

The Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Programme and its Summer Camps have, over the years produced a number of players who have gone on to represent their national teams and even the West Indies senior/junior teams. Notable among these as far as SVG is concerned are Sunil Ambris and Gidron Pope.

I.B.A.ALLEN

V

THE VINCENTIAN. FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 2017. 27.

Classifieds

LAND FOR SALE AT HARMONY HALL Contact: Artis Davis 493-6377 or email: davisartis@hotmail.com

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT All persons who have collected ANEW application forms, are kindly asked to return the completed forms to one of the following institutions on the specified dates: * * * * *

Ministry of Education Annex - Friday 11 August, 2017 Kingstown Technical Institute- Tuesday 15 August, 2017 Campden Park Technical Institute - Tuesday 15 August, 2017 Barrouallie Technical Institute - Friday 18 August, 2017 Georgetown Technical Institute - Friday 18 August, 2017

REPAIRS

FOR RENT

Washing machine and microwave repairs.

Home Services Call: 455-5018

2 Bedroom apartment, semi-furnished with Internet Services at Dorsetshire Hill.

Whatsapp 784-496-2239

Please be guided accordingly.

RONALD AUGUSTUS LYNCH aka Hadrick

RAUL ULRIC SOSO Kingstown Methodist Church Monday 7th August, 2017 Service at 3:00 p.m.

DAVID SAMUEL TEXEIRA Georgetown Evangelical Church Sunday August 6th, 2017 3:00 p.m.

New Testament Church of God Wilson Hill Tuesday 8th August, 2017 2:00 p.m

BRENTON ROBERT ISAACS S.D.A Church Mesopotamia Sunday 6th August, 2017 2:00 p.m.

WILLIAM AUGUSTUS BALLANTYNE New Testament Church of God Clare Valley Sunday 6th August, 2017 3:00 p.m.

VERDEL NICKIE Church of God, Parkhill Saturday 5th August, 2017 2:00 p.m.

F O R

The National Newspaper of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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S A L E

FRIDAY,

AUGUST 11, 2017

VOLUME 111, No.32

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‘THEFT AT THE MCMH,’ SAYS MP Stories by DAYLE DASILVA

OPPOSITION PARLIAMENTARY Representative for West Kingstown Daniel Cummings said that he has evidence of what he termed as “grave” corruption at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH).

According to Cummings, while addressing members of the media at a press conference on

Wednesday, a number of medical items — either donated or purchased by government — are being taken out of the health facility.

“My information tells me that most of the problems with theft are perpetrated by the higher ups within the ULP and they are protected. Those who are guilty are the untouchables,” he said.

Cummings, however, declined to give any detailed information on

the allegation, saying that to do so had legal implications.

He did say, though, that he was willing to reveal the evidence at another time.

“But I tell you categorically… there is tremendous evidence of grave corruption in medication, supplies at the hospital. I have evidence, I have seen it.”

He went on further to indicate that he knew some of those guilty of the practice, adding that

said.

He added that they had “ears” for Political appointments the Prime Minister.

In addressing the “Nurses have issue of political inordinate appointments within the authority over the health sector, Cummings operations of the said, “In the nursing hospital beyond fraternity at the Milton their call of duty Cato Memorial Hospital, that prevent there are people who are professional clearly politically doctors from doing motivated, and are their work, that is appointed to positions a serious conflict,” that clearly have nothing Cummings said. to do with nursing,” he they ought to be dealt with.

Daniel Cummings, MP for West Kingstown, spoke, without giving details, about a practice of theft at the MCMH, this country’s main hospital.

MP KNOCKS HEALTH OFFICIALS

DANIEL CUMMINGS, Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown, said that he is not satisfied that enough was done on the part of the officials at the Ministry of Health, to deal with the issue of having one anesthesiologist on staff.

“With the simple matter with anesthesiologists, it was so badly handled. If you don’t have the resources to allow for flexibility, in this

modern age, you can pick up a phone and call in a regional neighbour, and call in one for a month or two,” he told members of the press on Wednesday at a press briefing.

According to Cummings, there was no argument that having one active anesthesiologist on duty amounted to a crisis, and that it was either the officials at the ministry of health did not fully understand the impact of the

situation, or they simply did not care.

“When we are told that we were expecting one by the last weekend, and that person is on radio and says that he does not know if the person has come in, it clearly sends a signal that he does not understand the situation and the importance of recruiting an anesthesiologist.”

This, he said, spoke to the level of chaos at the health facility, and he

The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital sits along the busy main highway to the Leeward side of mainland St. Vincent.

Published by The VINCENTIAN Publishing Co. Ltd, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;

advanced the view that what was now required was a good management system.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves on Monday explained the situation as it related to the anesthesiologists, saying that the issue arose between June and July, and that there are three on staff — one was granted maternity leave, and a few days following, another got sick.

Finding a quality replacement is not an easy matter, Gonsalves said.

“Quality ones you just can’t pick up off the shelf like you do corn flakes.”

The Prime Minister added that it was not a case where they were sitting down, but were actively seeking a replacement.

Senior public servants within the ministry were involved in the process, and Dr. Gonsalves said that, once he became aware of the situation, he contacted sources in Cuba.

Minister of Health, Luke Browne was also involved in the process of making contacts for assistance from Taiwan.

“Short term efforts were being tried,” Dr. Gonsalves said.

He also explained that it was difficult to predict that two anesthesiologists would have applied for leave due to health or medical reasons, and that provisions will be made in the 2018 budget for a fourth anesthesiologist to be added to the staff at the MCMH.

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